Rep. Eric Bell Introduces Bill to Create Happy Highways Grant Program to Fund Murals Along State Highways

ATLANTA - State Representative Eric Bell (D-Jonesboro) recently introduced House Bill 1103, legislation that would establish a Happy Highways Grant program to support the creation of murals along Georgia's highway system. The Happy Highways Grant program would award one-time grants to participating counties for murals to promote tourism and support roadside enhancement and beautification efforts.

"Georgia is home to more than 19,000 miles of state highway, connecting communities across our state," said Rep. Bell. "At the same time, our state consistently ranks at or near the bottom when it comes to investment in public art. This legislation seeks to address this by supporting local artists and uplifting the unique character of every county in Georgia. By funding murals along these thoroughfares, we can promote arts and culture, celebrate local identity and improve the commuter experience."

Under HB 1103, the Department of Transportation would establish a grant program to fund the completion of up to two murals in each participating county, subject to appropriations by the General Assembly. Each county seeking to participate in and receive funding from the grant program would be required to submit an application to the department to aid in the county selection process. The bill has been assigned to the House Committee on Transportation.

House Bill 1100 is sponsored by Rep. Bell and co-sponsored by State Representatives Carl Gilliard (D-Savannah), El-Mahdi Holly (D-Stockbridge), Mack Jackson (D-Sandersville), Spencer Frye (D-Athens) and Bryce Berry (D-Atlanta).

The full text of HB 1103 may be found here.

Representative Eric Bell represents the citizens of District 75, which includes a portion of Clayton County. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2023 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Human Relations & Aging and Small Business Development committees.

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