Governor Announces $4.2 Million in Water and Sewer Infrastructure Projects for Three Georgia Communities

Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that the GEFA executive committee approved the financing for three environmental infrastructure projects totaling $4.2 million. The executive committee approved the commitments to help finance water and sewer infrastructure improvements for the city of Dublin, Nicholson Water Authority in Jackson County and Oconee County.

“Investment in our state’s water and sewer infrastructure stimulates the economy, promotes the stewardship of our natural resources, and helps to meet Georgia’s future water needs,” said Governor Perdue. “The projects approved today will improve water system efficiency and will ensure clean and safe water.”

“The water, sewer and solid waste programs administered by GEFA assist local governments with improving their environmental infrastructure,” said GEFA Executive Director Phil Foil. “Financing water, sewer and solid waste projects encourages economic growth and the stewardship of our environment.”

Foil expressed appreciation to Governor Perdue and to the members of the General Assembly for their support. He credited Governor Perdue’s commitment to helping Georgia cities and counties finance infrastructure development as one of the main contributors to GEFA’s success.

“GEFA financing for water, sewer and solid waste infrastructure helps communities in all areas of the state,” said Gerald Thompson, chairman of the GEFA board of directors and mayor of the city of Fitzgerald. “The projects that we agreed to finance today demonstrate that GEFA is investing in communities that are willing to invest in themselves.”

GEFA helps communities prepare for economic growth and development through the provision of low-interest loans. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) is a federal loan program administered by GEFA for wastewater infrastructure and water pollution abatement projects. Eligible projects include a wide variety of storm water and wastewater collection and treatment projects. The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) is a federal loan program administered by GEFA for water infrastructure projects. Eligible projects include public health-related water supply construction.

Below are details of the loans approved today:

City of Dublin

The city of Dublin was approved for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan of $2,040,000 to finance replacing and repairing sanitary sewer line and approximately 50 manholes. The city will pay three percent interest on the 20-year loan for $2,040,000. The total project cost is $2,400,000 with the city receiving $360,000 in principal forgiveness.

Nicholson Water Authority

The Nicholson Water Authority was approved for a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loan of $700,000 to finance new wells and well rehabilitation; replacing a water main; storage improvements; installing new meters, including reading and billing software; and training. The Authority will pay three percent interest on a 20-year loan for $700,000. The total project cost is $1,000,000, with the Authority receiving $300,000 in principal forgiveness.

Oconee County

Oconee County was approved for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan of $1,530,000 to finance replacing sewer pipe, deteriorating manholes, and an aging pump station to eliminate leaks in the system. The County will pay three percent interest on the 20-year loan. The total project cost is $1,800,000, with Oconee County receiving $270,000 in principal forgiveness.

Cities and counties interested in more information regarding GEFA loans should visit www.gefa.org or call (404) 584-1000.

About the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (www.gefa.org) 
The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) provides energy, land and water resources resulting in an improved quality of life for today and future generations. GEFA is the lead agency for state energy programs and is home to the Center of Innovation for Energy; directs the Georgia Land Conservation Program and maintains state-owned fuel storage tanks; and offers financing for reservoir and water supply, water quality, storm water and solid waste infrastructure. Since 1985, GEFA has approved financial commitments totaling more than $2 billion to local governments, businesses and nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit www.gefa.org.