Introducing the Georgia Minority Infrastructure Alliance

Published in the Georgia DOT MMIB DBE Edge newsletter | August 2021

Meet Daraka Satcher, Executive VP at Ohio River South, and founding member of the Georgia Minority Infrastructure Alliance

About GMI Alliance: The Georgia Minority Infrastructure Alliance (GMI Alliance), the newest initiative of Ohio River South, brings together minority and majority-led infrastructure companies, service providers, and partners seeking to position Georgia and themselves to compete for federal infrastructure funding. Their focus is to bring increased attention to Georgia by highlighting its diverse business environment as a strategic advantage.

Q: What have you observed as it relates to minority-owned businesses and government contracting?

A: Historically, many minority firms have been left out of government funding opportunities because of minimal engagement with decision-makers. They have the capabilities to contribute to the growth of this country but often lack the information and access to participate. With a 35% minority population, Georgia can set an example for the rest of the country when it comes to minority participation in this infrastructure plan.

Q: What do you think the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal means for historically underserved communities in Georgia?

A: The Biden plan was intentional about investing in minority communities from the outset. It originally included two items relevant to Georgia: $20 billion for research infrastructure at HBCUs and the development of a Healthy Ports program, which aims to “mitigate the cumulative impacts of air pollution on neighborhoods near ports, often communities of color.”

Q: Why is this important to the overall business community in Georgia?

A: Allocation of funding is not an assurance of an equitable effect on all communities in need. Nor is it an assurance of equitable opportunity among qualified companies to do the work.

Click here to connect and learn more about GMI Alliance