Posted on

Sen. Larry Walker III Praises Governor Kemp for Improving Neighborhood Grant Awards

ATLANTA (May 23, 2023) | Last week, Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that he has made preliminary grant awards totaling more than $225 million for 142 qualified projects that improve neighborhood assets like parks, recreation facilities, sidewalks, and healthy food access in communities all across the state disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program funds will be allotted to local units of government, counties, and non-profits to utilize in improving or maintaining recreational facilities in Qualified Census Tracts or for repair or maintenance due to significantly greater use of public facilities during the pandemic.

“The Improving Neighborhood grants that are being awarded to our communities will have a positive impact on the health, safety, and wellbeing of families within the 20th Senate District,” said Senator Larry Walker III (R – Perry). “These funds will be used to update and modernize many recreational and outdoor spaces that Georgians utilize daily. I thank Governor Kemp and his staff for their support of these transformational projects that will provide Georgians of all ages with access to recreation and outdoor activity for generations to come.”

Funds awarded to the 20th State Senate District include:

  • City of Abbeville, Georgia with $1,813,772 for Abbeville Lions Memorial Park and pedestrian sidewalks.
  • City of Dublin, Georgia with $2,200,000 for the Oconee Gym Renovation Project.
  • City of Cochran, Georgia with $1,155,000 for theCochran North Ash Street Park Development Project.
  • Bleckley County Board of Commissioners with $1,094,500 for Cochran Bleckley Recreational Sports Complex improvements.

# # # #


Sen. Larry Walker serves as Secretary of the Senate Majority Caucus. He also serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor. He represents Senate District 20 which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Pulaski, Treutlen, and Wilcox Counties and a portion of Houston County. He can be reached at larry.walker@senate.ga.gov  

Posted on

Senate President Pro Tempore Receives Georgia Historic Preservation Recognition

ATLANTA (May 2, 2023) | Last week, the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation announced their 2023 class of preservation award honorees. Senate President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy (R – Macon) was awarded the 2023 Senator George Hooks Award for his efforts to maintain a high standard of historic preservation in the state of Georgia.

“It is an honor to be named as the recipient of this year’s award,” said President Pro Tempore Kennedy. “Rest assured that I will continue to ensure that Georgia’s legislative efforts are committed to our state’s historic preservation endeavors, community development, and economic growth. I appreciate the Georgia Trust for bestowing me with this award and look forward to continuing our partnership for many years to come.”

This award was given in response to Senator Kennedy’s efforts to save the State Historic Preservation Tax Credit, which was almost lost due to an impending sunset last year. These credits have become the basis for generating equity allowing more Georgians to participate in revitalization. Senator Kennedy worked to revise the previously-passed bill, and secured passage for the new bill that saved these credits.

According to the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, the Senator George Hooks Award recognizes excellence in public leadership in Georgia. This award is given at the discretion of the Board of Trustees and is named in honor of Senator George Hooks, a strong supporter of the preservation of Georgia’s history and culture, who served in the Georgia General Assembly for 32 years.

# # # #

Sen. John F. Kennedy serves as the President Pro Tempore of the Georgia State Senate. He represents the 18th Senate District which includes Upson, Monroe, Peach, Crawford, and portions of Bibb and Houston Counties. He may be reached at 404.656.6578 or by email at john.kennedy@senate.ga.gov

Posted on

Sen. Charlie Bethel Files Interstate Power Compact Legislation

ATLANTA (February 2, 2016) | Sen. Charlie Bethel (R – Dalton) has filed legislation that would enter the state of Georgia in the Interstate Power Compact upon legislative approval. The Interstate Power Compact seeks to increase state autonomy over environmental protections and provide more affordable access to reliable sources of electricity. Senate Bill 311 has been assigned to the Senate Natural Resources and Environment Committee. Continue reading “Sen. Charlie Bethel Files Interstate Power Compact Legislation”

Posted on

Sen. Rick Jeffares Supports Additional Funding for Southern Crescent Technical College Expansion

MCDONOUGH  (January 15, 2016) | Sen. Rick Jeffares (R – McDonough) and Sen. Emanuel Jones (D – Decatur) and Reps. Demetrius Douglas (D – Stockbridge), David Knight (R – Griffin), Dale Rutledge (R – McDonough), Sandra Scott (D – Rex), Pam Stephenson (D – Decatur), Brian Strickland (R – McDonough), Andy Welch (R -McDonough) and John Yates (R – Griffin) applaud Gov. Nathan Deal’s decision to allocate $16.175 million in funding in the FY2017 General Budget to begin construction on a second phase of Southern Crescent Technical College in McDonough. Continue reading “Sen. Rick Jeffares Supports Additional Funding for Southern Crescent Technical College Expansion”