TIFTON, Ga. – The Georgia Department of Transportation is accepting applications for GATEway Grants, which provide funding for landscape beautification and enhancement projects along Georgia’s roadsides. The deadline for new applications is Feb. 28.

Any organization, local government, or state agency may apply for the grants, which reimburse costs up to $50,000 for plant materials and their installation at significant entrances on GDOT’s right of way. Those interested are encouraged to apply soon because funds are limited. Applicants may be eligible for a second round of awards later in the year if not awarded a grant in the first round. The Roadside Enhancement and Beautification Council will review the applications.

GATE is an acronym for Georgia Transportation Enhancement. GATEway Grants are funded through revenues received from outdoor advertising companies when they remove trees that are in front of their signs.

In the past, GATEway Grants have been used to transform roadsides with the planting of trees, ornamental grasses, shrubs and perennials and to embellish landscapes at city limit entrance signs. In Southwest Georgia, the City of Nashville in partnership with the Berrien County Chamber of Commerce was awarded a $20,704 GATEway grant in 2010. The grant was used to enhance the city entrance on U.S. Highway 129/state Route 11, the Alapaha Highway. Nashville Mayor Travis Harper said the grant enabled the city to “transform one of our city’s entrances from weeds and grass to a beautifully landscaped and inviting gateway.”

For additional information, to print an application and/or receive step by step instructions, visit the GATEway Grant web site at www.dot.ga.gov/localgovernment/FundingPrograms/gateway/Pages/default.aspx.

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