EPA Strips $19.8 Million Grant From Thomasville Georgia

The United States Environmental Protection Agency stripped a $19.8 million Community Change Grant from Thomasville, Georgia, as part of a broader initiative by the second Trump administration to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. The funding, originally awarded under the Biden administration to the city and the Thomasville Community Development Corp., supported the Restoring Resiliency project. This initiative aimed to remove toxic substances from homes, repair an 82-year-old wastewater system, and build a health clinic in the historic Black neighborhood of Dewey City.

In a May 2025 letter, the EPA justified the termination by stating the project conflicted with administration policies prioritizing merit, fairness, and excellence. While a separate class-action lawsuit involving other affected communities was dismissed in 2025 and remains under appeal, Thomasville has pursued its own independent appeal of the decision with legal support from Lawyers for Good Government.

To address the funding gap, the city has utilized Department of Housing and Urban Development grants for essential repairs. Additionally, the city has requested $764,000 in congressional funds through the office of Senator Jon Ossoff to ensure the completion of the community health clinic.