State government awards federal grants to help offset economic impacts of pandemic

ATLANTA — Georgia’s hotel industry will receive by far the largest chunk of more than $415 million in federal pandemic relief grants announced by Gov. Brian Kemp Monday, May 16.

The Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association will get $150 million to help offset the losses hotels across the state have sustained during the pandemic.

The GHLA is among 33 Georgia recipients of federal assistance through the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan

Act President Joe Biden signed into law in March of last year.

The recipients were approved by one of three committees Kemp formed to determine how to distribute Georgia’s $4.8 billion share of ARPA aid among state and local governments, businesses and nonprofits applying for the money.

The Negative Impact Economic Committee included Pat Wilson, commissioner of the state Department of Economic Development; State Economist Jeffrey Dorfman; Georgia House Appropriations Committee Chairman Terry England, R-auburn; and state Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Blake Tillery, R-vidalia.

“I’m proud of our state’s resilience,” Kemp said. “We have worked hard and identified ways to further deliver assistance to hardworking Georgians, support businesses and speed up the recovery of impacted industries and rebuild crucial public services.”

While business and vacation travel is starting to bounce back, COVID-19 hit the hotel industry harder than most.

“This program will provide Georgia’s hospitality industry with the support it needs to create and sustain jobs for people throughout the state, helping the industry return to its pre-pandemic level of success,” GHLA Executive Director Jim Sprouse said.

Other recipients of grants announced include the Atlanta Community Food Bank, which will receive about $29.6 million, and Buckhead Christian Ministries, which will get $12.7 million to expand an emergency assistance program.

The Georgia Department of Economic Development will receive about $11.5 million to help performing arts venues around the state.