ATLANTA (April 3, 2009) – Sen. Valencia Seay (D-Riverdale) has successfully secured funds in the state’s Fiscal Year 2010 budget for bond projects in Clayton County. The General Assembly passed the budget last week on the final day of the 2009 legislative session.
“Throughout the budget process this session, my sole concern has been ensuring that my constituents receive the essential funding their communities need,” said Seay. “These funds will be used for expansion at Clayton State University and a library in Forest Park. The Senate recognized the importance of funding education and library projects in the budget this year, and I am pleased that communities in Clayton County will benefit from these legislative priorities.”
A portion of the funds secured by Sen. Seay will go to Clayton State University, which will receive $35 million to design and construct a new science building on campus. The funds will be requested in three phases, with Clayton State receiving $2.1 million this year for the design and planning of the project. The remaining funds are expected to be requested in subsequent fiscal years for the construction and equipment phases. Additionally, the Clayton County Library System will receive $2 million this year for the construction of a new Forest Park Branch Library.
The funds are part of a $325 million bond package for construction projects across Georgia’s university system. This year’s bond package increased 20 percent, with $1.2 billion in new investment. Projects included in the bond package are expected to generate an estimated 20,000 new jobs across the state. These investments represent a commitment by the legislature to create jobs and invest in Georgia’s future.
The legislature passed an $18.6 billion spending plan for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. The sagging economy and declining state revenues forced budget writers to cut $2 billion from original budget estimates, while being careful not to sacrifice funding for needed projects throughout the state.
Sen. Valencia Seay represents the 34th Senate District, which includes parts of Clayton and Fayette Counties. She can be reached at her office at 404.656.5095 or by email at valencia.seay@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
April 3, 2009
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
Kallarin Richards, Senior Communications Specialist
kallarin.richards@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028