EZ-EC Communities
Round III Empowerment Zones
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2001 signed on 12/21/00 includes
provisions relating to the EZ/EC initiative. It allowed designation of nine
additional empowerment zones. Seven of the nine were in urban areas and 2 were
located in rural areas.
The OCD web-site for Round III Competition is
http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ocd/index.html
The population of the nominated area may not exceed 30,000 in population.
The nominated area must be one of pervasive poverty, unemployment, and
general distress.
The EZ should not be more than 1,000 square miles.
It may be continuous or consist of not more than three non-contiguous
parcels.
Not less than 20% poverty rate in each census tract.
A Round I or II Enterprise Community EC may be designated a Round III EZ;
however, the EC must apply for zone designation in its entirety; or, in its
entirety together with an additional area.
Over 160 "champions" attended training conducted by primarily by
Jane Ferguson, Area III and Nathan Deal on June 27-28. Both SD Stone Workman and
RDC Donnie Thomas attended. Several guest speakers were brought in to
supplement RD presenters on a variety of topics.
Description:
The Rural Development Coordinators Office administers the rural Empowerment
Zones and Enterprise Communities (EZ/EC) program for the State of Georgia. This
program is a Presidential initiative designed to provide economically depressed
rural areas and communities with real opportunities for growth and
revitalization.
What is the Program's Mission?
The mission of the EZ/EC program is embodied in four key principles:
- Economic Opportunity -- including job creation within the community and
throughout the region, entrepreneurial initiatives, small business
expansion, and training for jobs that offer upward mobility;
- Sustainable Community Development -- to advance the creation of livable
and vibrant communities through comprehensive approaches that coordinate
economic, physical, environmental, community, and human development;
- Community Based Partnerships -- involving participation of all segments of
the community, including the political and governmental leadership,
community groups, health and social service groups, environmental groups,
religious organizations, the private and nonprofit sectors, centers of
learning, other community institutions, concerned citizens and low-income
residents; and
- Strategic Vision for Change -- which identifies what the community will
become and develops a strategic map for revitalization.
This program is only the first step in rebuilding poverty-stricken communities
in America’s rural heartland. It is designed to empower people and communities
all across the Nation by inspiring Americans to work together to create jobs and
opportunity.
Where Does It Start?
They all start locally. Communities, with the cooperation of their State and
local governments, have developed strategic plans for combining public and
private resources. These strategic plans guide the communities during
implementation of their portion of EZ/EC program.
Round I
Funding
- Each EZ received $40 million and each EC received $2.97
million. This was a one time 10-year grant.
- Funds came from Health and Human Service (SSBG) funds,
which were awarded to the states for disbursement to EZ/EC programs, based
on each community's strategic plan. Department of Community Affairs
administered funds for the State of Georgia.
- Funds were viewed primarily as "Capital
Investment" funds to leverage additional dollars for projects
identified in the community's strategic plan.
Benefits
- Technical assistance, partnership building, and leadership
development
- Tax free facility bonds up to $3 million
- Special tax incentives
- Set-aside funds
- Priority points from USDA
- Letters of Support
Round II
Funding
- Each rural EZ received $2 million and each rural EC
received $250,000 for the first year while the funds for the remaining 9
years of the initiative are yet to be determined.
- Funds will come from USDA, Rural Development
Benefits
- Rural EZ's can issue up to $60 million in bonds to finance
zone facilities over 10 years. These funds are not subject to private
activity bond volume cap
- Work opportunity tax credit for employers who hire at risk
youth who reside in the EZ/EC
- Special tax incentives for business
- Brownfield deductible expense
- Set-aside funds
- Priority consideration from other federal programs
- Priority points from USDA
- Letters of Support
Where are Georgia’s Rural EZ/EC Communities?
Round I EC and Round II EZ
Southwest Georgia United Empowerment Zone
118 B 12th Ave East
Cordele, GA 31015
Phone (912)273-9111
Fax (912)276-0450
Round I EC
Central Savannah River Area EC -- Burke, Hancock, Jefferson, Taliaferro,
McDuffie, Warren Counties
Andy Crosson, site coordinator
CSRA Regional Development Center
P.O. Box 2800
Augusta, GA 30914-2800
Phone (706)667-4180
E-Mail -- csra@www.ezec.gov
For more information, please contact the State Office at (706)546-2162 or
2165.
To learn more about the EZ/EC program, including links to many other helpful
sites, please click here.
Accomplishment: $6,700,000 Guaranteed Business Loan - Expansion and refinancing
of an existing construction business.
$1,000,000 Intermediary Loan Program to Fort Valley State to create a
revolving loan fund. Thirty-four jobs and 10 part-time jobs have been created.
$200,000 Rural Business Enterprise Grant for the rehabilitation of the
Riverquest Psych-educational building and adding a secondary water supply.
On March 20, 2000, the Southwest Georgia United EZ (formerly Crisp/Dooly)
held their annual meeting. Approximately 50 people were in attendance.
To see pictures of some of the accomplishments in the
SWGAEZ, click here.
EJ's hidden page.
Last Updated :
March 19, 2008
