Smyrna may receive $615K in grants

Smyrna city officials are hoping they will receive $614,768 in grants this year, according to a March 4 vote by the Smyrna City Council.

The city is expected to receive $327,618 from the federal government through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

This money comes to the city through the Cobb County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Department.

In the past, this federal money has been used to fund Parks and Recreation projects, Public Works projects and projects within Smyrna’s Code Enforcement Division.

The other funding of $287,150 is a possible grant for the Smyrna Police Department from the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency to buy a Lenco Bearcat Armored Vehicle.

This vehicle will be used by the SWAT team in responding to any incidents that exceed the capability of the city’s patrol, including hostage situations, active shooters and barricaded gunmen.

If approved, the city will be reimbursed for any funds paid by the city for the armored vehicle.