AllOnGeorgia
March 12, 2021
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has announced the selection of the 2020-2021 Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program “Conserve Georgia” grants for conservation and outdoor recreation projects.
Selected applicants will now be invited to the Second Level Application, marking the final level of the application process for their proposals. This cycle will commit $20.58 million in funding to support local parks and trails systems and state-owned lands. These Grantees have also committed an estimated $40 million to match grant dollars.
It has never been more important than here in 2021 for Georgia to preserve and expand conservation efforts as millions of Georgians head outdoors for mental and physical health during these trying times. These grants go a long way to support this vitally important mission,” shares DNR Commissioner Mark Williams.
Athens-Clarke officials approve Firefly Trail route in Winterville onlineathens.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from onlineathens.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
After a lengthy session of public comment and debate among commissioners, the Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission approved a plan for an expansion of the Firefly Trail in the area just outside Winterville at its voting meeting Tuesday night.
The commission had to choose between three different design plans for a section of the trail. Option A, the plan commissioners approved in a 7-3 vote, is the shortest trail and closest to the Firefly Trailâs original design, which follows Athensâ historic rail line.
The prominent argument against the option was its proximity to several private properties. Constructing Option A will require about 15 property easements, as well as âextensiveâ storm drain improvements, according to the legislation. District 1 Commissioner Patrick Davenport said he met with some residents who own parts of the railbed the trail is set to be built on.
Police pay raise
In his address, Girtz recognized that the county places several responsibilities on its police force, and discussed what ACC can do to help relieve the burden on officers.
âOur society has saddled the police with the responsibility to be first responders for all of society s ills, including homelessness, poverty, mental health crises and substance abuse,â Girtz said.
In 2021, ACC will be introducing a team of behavioral health professionals to aid police in certain situations. This team is intended to relieve the police department of unnecessary workload, Girtz said.
In addition to adding the new team to aid the police, ACC is introducing âan enhanced public safety officer pay scaleâ for police officers, firefighters and probation officers. This pay scale aims to attract more people to apply and raise the retention rate of these departments.