Chestatee-Chattahoochee Resource Conservation And Development Area

Programs: Wheels to work -through a grant awarded by georgia environmental facilities authority (gefa),vehicles are purchased and made available for purchase by families receiving public assistance. The zero-interest payment is based on the participant's income. This was final year for this programthe participant is responsible for the car payment, insurance, maintenance and upkeep of the vehicle. As they become employed and establish a work history, the car payments are adjusted accordingly. Many of the vehicle recipients have paid off their car loans with income tax returns, which they would not have had without this program. The repayment stream is used to purchase additional cars to assist more individuals. Another positive aspect of this program is that it allows participants to establish a good credit history, which will help them in any future endeavors.

special projects319 and nrcs outreach grant: educates citizens throughout our 13 county area on programs available through usda to provide assistance and funding for best managements practices (bmps) to preserve and protect our natural resources. Have 13 landowners who have contracted to construct bmp projects that will reduce soil erosion and runoff into the streams of watersheds in north georgia. Fire adapted communities: this program provides education and training to communities in wildfire prone areas on what it takes to be fully prepared for wildland fire. A fire adapted community incorporates people, buildings, businesses, infrastructure, cultural resources, and natural areas into the effort to prepare for the effects of wildland fire. Forest action plan: this program is part of a five-year strategic plan on managing forest resources and the forest industry. This is a collaborative effort between the council and the georiga forestry commission to maintain georgia's forest legacy and ensure a sustainable forestland for generations to come. Wildfire safe, sound and code smart training (wssc): the council hosted a conference/workshops to address planning, designing, building and retrofitting homes to protect life and property of individual homes and communities.

revolving loan program-to finance small business development in rural areas who can not obtain financing from traditional sources. One loan of $58,000 was issued in 2014.