Adairsville, Bartow County Win GDOT Landscaping Grants

CARTERSVILLE, GA -- The Georgia Department of Transportation on Thursday has awarded 17 Roadside Enhancement and Beautification Council grants valued at $600,666.

The awards will be used for enhancement and beautification projects along Georgia’s state routes.

Bartow County and the city of Adairsville received a total of $46,397.25 for landscape enhancement and beautification on the state right of way along Interstate 75.

Broken down, the county received $20,922.25 while Adairsville garnered $25,475.

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“We are pleased that we can assist local governments and communities with these funds,” Georgia DOT Commissioner Russell R. McMurry, P.E. said. “GDOT is committed to enhancing quality of life throughout Georgia. Partnering with communities and organizations to improve their local landscape is one way we can do this.”

Since 2008, Georgia DOT has awarded 143 REBC grants totaling more than $5.5 million dollars to local governments and civic groups throughout Georgia.

Previously called the GATEway Grant program, the initiative uses revenue from permit fees paid to Georgia DOT by outdoor advertising companies for vegetation removal in front of outdoor advertising signs. Funds from the grants are allocated towards purchasing and installing plant material along state routes.

Any organization, local government, or state agency may apply for a grant of up to $50,000 for landscape enhancement of the state right-of-way that involves the local community and displays the area in an attractive manner.

Awarded funds may be used for landscape plant material, sod, topsoil, mulch and labor costs. A local commitment to long-term maintenance is also required. The REBC encourages the use of Georgia Grown materials for projects.

The REBC is comprised of representatives from organizations and agencies appointed by the Governor. They include the Outdoor Advertising Association of Georgia, Sierra Club, Garden Club of Georgia, Georgia Wildlife Federation, Georgia Conservancy, UGA College of Environment and Design, House and Senate Transportation Committee Chairpersons and the Georgia DOT Deputy Commissioner.

The council reviews the applications and makes award recommendations to the Georgia DOT Commissioner.

Applications for the next round of awards will be announced when additional funding is available.

Visit the REBC Grant program website: www.dot.ga.gov/IS/Funding/REBC. For questions about the grant program, e-mail landscape@dot.ga.gov or call 404-631-1387.

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