Gov. Kemp’s proposed budget allocates funds for EVs, mental health facilities in Savannah

Georgia’s budget surplus could mean big things for Savannah in 2024: electric vehicles, mental health and public safety spending are all getting a boost in Gov. Brian Kemp’s budget proposal for fiscal year 2025.

The budget proposal, which was released Thursday at the end of the governor’s State of the State address, will now be sent to the state Legislature for approval. Passing the state budget is the only thing the general assembly is constitutionally required to accomplish during the legislative session.

Kemp’s proposals for this year include sweeping one-time salary raises for teachers and other state employees, allocations to community and behavioral health programs, and a wide variety of funds for law enforcement agencies across the state.

State of the State: Kemp emphasizes education, public safety, tax cuts in 2024 address

The proposal, which spans more than 400 pages, includes several items that will directly benefit the Savannah area and its residents. Electric vehicle plants will see a huge investment in 2024, with $450,000 allocated to two economic development projects: Hyundai’s plant in Bryan County, and Rivian’s in Morgan and Walton counties. Georgia’s Technical College system will also receive $19.5 million to create three workforce accelerator sites dedicated to training EV workers.

Healthcare is also seeing major investments in the upcoming year. The amended budget for fiscal year 2024 includes $178 million for the construction of a new dental school at Georgia Southern University. As Kemp recently mentioned in his address at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s annual Eggs and Issues breakfast, this will be the first dental school to open in the state since 1969.

“We respect the legislative funding process and want to thank Governor Kemp for his strong support in recognizing the importance of educating and training more highly qualified medical professionals in Georgia,” University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue said in a statement. “As this state continues to grow, these recommendations build on the critical work already being done by Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia and Dental College of Georgia and would establish an even greater pipeline of doctors, nurses and dentists to help keep our communities healthy and strong.”

Additionally, the state will allocate $3.2 million to create a 30-bed behavioral health facility at Georgia Regional Hospital Savannah. The facility will be a forensic step-down unit, which is intended to help patients regain their independence while recovering from a severe mental health crisis.

In nearby Brunswick, the Georgia Ports Authority will receive nearly $6.1 million towards the Brunswick Harbor Modifications Project, which seeks to improve safety, navigability and efficiency in the harbor. In addition, the Department of Natural Resources will receive over $1.1 million to mitigate environmental hazards on Sapelo and Ossabaw islands.

More: Savannah Convention Center asking for $15 million from state for riverwalk updates

“Instead of expanding the size and scope of government, we’re putting state dollars to work in targeted, efficient ways to recruit, retain, and thank employees in vital roles from corrections officers to caseworkers,” Kemp said in his State of the State address Thursday. “By doing so, we’re continuing our efforts to wisely use every penny taxpayers send us, from state agency personnel, to our schools, public safety, and the healthcare marketplace."

Law enforcement agencies across the state will also receive a boost in 2024, with Savannah, Macon and Columbus receiving a combined $807,312 to expand their Gang Prosecution Units.

However, at least one government agency will likely be disappointed by Kemp’s proposal: The estimated $15 million the Savannah Convention Center’s leaders requested to fund river walk improvements are notably absent.

The proposal will now go to the state House, who will use its recommendations to draft their appropriations bill. Once the bill passes in the House, it will go to the state Senate, who will modify it and send it back to the House for approval. After the revised bill passes in the House, it will go to the governor’s desk, and must be signed into law within 40 days.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Gov. Kemp's budget proposal highlights EVs, mental health in Savannah