DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis is hoping the federal government can contribute funding to help redevelop the vacant GM plant in Doraville.
This week, Ellis visited Washington, D.C. to lobby federal officials for funding. During his visit, he met with John Fernandez, Assistant Secretary over the Economic Development Administration in the U.S. Department of Commerce, to discuss possible funding of redevelopment of the GM plant.
On Wednesday, Ellis met with U.S. Rep. Tom Price (R-Ga.) to talk about his ideas for the GM site.
Last year, the county commission voted against a $54 million proposal to use federal stimulus bonds to turn the 165-acre site into an Atlantic Station-like development.
Ellis also met with U.S. Rep. John Mica (R-Fl.), the chairman of the House Transportation Committee, along with U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) to lobby for unspent stimulus dollars.
A county spokesman said Ellis' trip will only cost taxpayers $50.
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