Drought covers most of Georgia

Drought conditions have expanded over the past three months to include most of Georgia. The major exceptions are north-central and northeast Georgia, where conditions are rated as abnormally dry. Additionally, Bibb, Crawford, Macon, Peach and Houston counties are classified as being abnormally dry.

During the late summer and fall, Georgia depends on tropical weather to bring much-needed rain. This fall has been very dry with most of the state receiving less than 70 percent of normal rain. Many locations in the coastal plain and coastal Georgia have received 50 percent or less of normal rain over the past three months.

Soil moisture conditions along the Georgia coast into southeast Georgia are near the 1st percentile for this time of year. Being at the first percentile, we would expect more moisture in the soils in these areas 99 out of 100 years.

Also, the Okefenokee Swamp is very dry.

Seasonally adjusted stream flows are slowly declining across the state. Stream flows respond to drought more slowly than soil moisture. The bountiful rain that Georgia experienced last winter and spring has helped to keep stream flows near normal for most of the fall. However, in recent weeks the dryness is starting to show in decreased stream flows. Flows are particularly low in northwest Georgia, where most streams are at the 10th percentile or lower, meaning stream flows would be greater 90 out of 100 years in this area.

Wildfire risks have increased across the state due to dry conditions and falling leaves. Anyone outdoors should be cautious when using equipment that can cause sparks. Special vigilance is needed with any outdoor fires. Check with the local fire department or the Georgia Forestry Commission concerning restrictions and outdoor burn permits.

Georgia depends on winter and spring rains combined with cool temperatures to recharge soil moisture, groundwater, streams and reservoirs. The fall and spring climate outlooks do not hold much promise for drought recovery. Climatic conditions are expected to be warmer than normal and drier than normal through the spring.

Georgia should see some improvement in soil moisture and stream flow conditions in early spring since moisture loss due to evaporation and plant water use is lower during cool months. This improvement in moisture can be misleading. Relative to normal recharge during this period and this winter is expected to be limited.

Up-to-date information on dry conditions across Georgia can be found at www.georgiadrought.org. Updated weather conditions can be found at www.georgiaweather.net.

By David E. Stooksbury
University of Georgia
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GEFA Approves Environmental Infrastructure Projects Totaling $6.9 Million for Seven Georgia Communities

As part of Governor Sonny Perdue’s vision for sustainable economic development, the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) announced yesterday the approval of financing for seven environmental infrastructure projects totaling $6,9 million. The GEFA board of directors approved the commitments to help finance water and wastewater system infrastructure improvements for the Henry County Water & Sewerage Authority (HCWSA), and the cities of Commerce, Jasper, Marshallville, Poulan, Ringgold and Thomasville.

“Investment in our state’s water 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 programs administered by GEFA assist local governments with improving their environmental infrastructure,” said GEFA Executive Director Kevin Clark. “Financing water projects encourages economic growth and the stewardship of our environment.”

Clark 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 infrastructure helps communities in all areas of the state,” said J.C. Warren, acting chairman of the GEFA board of directors and member of the Screven County Board of Commissioners. “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 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.

The Georgia Fund is a state-funded program administered by GEFA for water, wastewater and solid waste infrastructure projects. The program has maximum flexibility and accessibility, and offers fast loan and grant approvals. The Georgia Fund provides loans and grants to local governments for projects such as water and sewer lines, treatment plants, pumping stations, wells, water storage tanks and water meters. Low-interest loans from this program are available up to $3 million.

Below are details of the loans approved:

City of Commerce
The city of Commerce was approved for a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loan of $575,000 to finance leak detection equipment, leak repairs and the replacement of old water meters. The city of Commerce will pay three percent interest on the one-year loan for $575,000. As a green project, 50 percent of the principal amount drawn will be forgiven. The 2010 DWSRF program guidelines direct the states to reserve 20 percent of the DWSRF funding for projects that address water or energy efficiency improvements or other environmentally-innovative activities.

Henry County Water & Sewerage Authority (HCWSA)

Henry County Water & Sewerage Authority was approved for a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loan of $2,652,000 to finance water main construction. HCWSA will pay three percent interest on the 20-year loan for $2,652,000 with 30 percent of the principal amount drawn to be forgiven.

City of Jasper

The city of Jasper was approved for a Georgia Fund loan of $700,000 to finance a new 500,000 gallon elevated water tank and the installation of a water line along a portion of Georgia Highway 515. The city of Jasper will pay 3.81 percent interest on the 20-year loan for $700,000. The balance of the project, $300,000, will be provided in the form of an Appalachian Regional Commission Grant from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

City of Marshallville

The city of Marshallville was approved for a Georgia Fund loan of $311,484 to finance a new water filtration system. The city of Marshallville will pay 3.81 percent interest on the 15-year loan for $311,484.

City of Poulan

The city of Poulan was approved for a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loan of $400,000 to finance water main construction to improve flow and pressure in the city’s water system. The city of Poulan will pay three percent interest on a 15-year loan for $400,000, with $107,337 in principal forgiveness.

City of Ringgold

The city of Ringgold was approved for a Georgia Fund Sewer Grant of $29,335.68 to finance construction of a sanitary sewer system that will serve 65 mobile home lots. The total project cost is $652,775, with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs providing $500,000 in a Community Development Block Grant (CBDG) and the city of Ringgold providing $123,439.32 in local funds.

City of Thomasville

The city of Thomasville was approved for a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loan of $2,250,000 to finance purchasing and replacing water meters and a GIS asset and work management system. The city of Thomasville will pay three percent interest on a 15-year loan for $2,250,000 the total amount of the project. As a green project, 50 percent of the principal drawn will be forgiven. The 2010 DWSRF program guidelines direct the states to reserve 20 percent of the DWSRF funding for projects that address water or energy efficiency improvements or other environmentally-innovative activities.

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 $3 billion to local governments, businesses and nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit www.gefa.org.