Gwinnett County and Explore Gwinnett, the County’s tourism and hospitality arm, will invest $500,000 of Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery funds in improving key areas of the local hospitality and tourism sectors negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The arts and entertainment industries contribute significantly to our county’s vibrant culture and economy,” said Gwinnett County Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson. “We’re proud to use this portion of federal funding to invest in their success, and we look forward to seeing these industries continue to thrive here.”

The funding will be distributed to support the following initiatives:

The Arts Recovery Program, an initiative of Explore Gwinnett, will receive $100,000 to help arts and entertainment-based nonprofits pay rent and utility costs.
Explore Gwinnett will partner with nonprofit FreshFilms to use $150,000 towards creating a workforce readiness program with Meadowcreek and Berkmar High Schools. The program will prepare graduates for ready-to-fill jobs in Georgia's entertainment industry.
Explore Gwinnett will also use $250,000 to lease 115 Flock license plate readers to improve safety and curb car theft. The license plate readers will be place at 110 hotel locations across Gwinnett, and at the Gas South District and Coolray Field.

The funds are provided through the American Rescue Plan Act.