More than $19.8 million is heading to the City of Thomasville thanks to a federal grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The Thomasville City Council voted to accept the grant on Monday during its council meeting.
“We’re targeting about 1.25 miles of sewer infrastructure to rehabilitate and reconstruct. This will increase the capacity, and it will help prevent any future sewer spills," said Eric Gossett, Assistant Utilities Superintendent for the City of Thomasville.
According to city officials, over $9 million of the grant will help address aging infrastructure. The Thomasville Community Development Corporation (TCDC) is also using $7.8 million to turn Douglass School gymnasium into a thriving health clinic, and $2.35 million to boost funding for Thomasville’s home improvement programs.
“This funding is a game-changer for our community," TCDC's Executive Director Earl Williams emphasized Wednesday. "It allows us to invest in critical infrastructure and sustainable solutions for long-term resilience and growth in Thomasville.”
The EPA grant requires municipalities to have all their intended projects completed within three years.
Gossett told WFSU on Wednesday that the city is getting started with its construction plans this week.