Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) announced the Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.2 million grant to Middle Georgia State University, Macon, Georgia, to build an athletic facility and pavilion that will attract visitors to the region. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

This project will provide new facilities for both students and visitors alike while boosting the local tourism and hospitality industries. The EDA investment will be matched with $310,763 in local funds.

“I am laser-focused on creating jobs and bringing even more tourism to our wonderful state,” said Senator Raphael Warnock. “It’s great to see that the EDA will be investing more than $1 million into Macon’s tourism industry, creating jobs and empowering small businesses across Middle Georgia.”

“This new athletic facility for Middle Georgia State University is an upgrade for student athletes, the student body, the university, and the whole community,” said Senator Jon Ossoff.

“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in supporting community-led economic development strategies designed to boost coronavirus recovery and response efforts,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment is an excellent opportunity to leverage a regional asset and build greater economic resiliency in the region’s tourism and hospitality industries.”

This project is funded under EDA’s $240 million competitive American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation program. EDA awarded $510 million in grants to all 50 states and territories in 2021. The two programs are designed to accelerate the recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors.

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