GEFA Approves $15 Million in Loans and Grants to Finance Water and Sewer Infrastructure Improvements

ATLANTA – As part of his vision for sustainable economic development, Governor Sonny Perdue announced today the approval of three Georgia Fund loan commitments of $15,183,000 and one Georgia Fund sewer grant of $100,000.  The Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) executive committee approved the commitments to help finance water and sewer infrastructure projects for the cities of Chatsworth, Hagan, Kingsland and Lawrenceville.

"Infrastructure improvements increase the quality of life for Georgia citizens, and they help cities and counties create jobs and promote economic development," said Governor Perdue. "I am pleased these investments are being made in water and sewer infrastructure."

"GEFA's programs are a tangible commitment by Governor Perdue and the General Assembly to assist local governments across the state with their efforts to provide clean water, sewer and solid waste improvements," said GEFA Executive Director Chris Clark.  "In addition to the public’s health and safety, these projects are critical to a community’s ability to prosper economically."

GEFA helps communities prepare for economic growth and development through the provision of low interest loans and grants. The Georgia Fund is a state funded loan program administered by GEFA for water, wastewater and solid waste infrastructure projects. The loan program has maximum flexibility and accessibility, providing fast loan approvals. The Georgia Fund finances loans 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 range from $20,000 to $50 million.

"The projects that we agreed to finance today illustrate how GEFA helps communities of all sizes, in all areas of the state," said J.C. Warren, chairman of the GEFA board of directors and a member of the Screven County board of commissioners. "From the smallest of communities to the largest, GEFA is investing in communities that are willing to invest in themselves."

Details of the loans and the grant approved today are below:

Chatsworth

The city of Chatsworth was approved for a loan of $1,383,000 to assist in the financing of 12,000 linear feet of water lines, two booster pump stations and a one million gallon water storage tank. The total project cost is $1,683,000 with a Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Grant providing $300,000.

Hagan

The city of Hagan was approved for a $100,000 grant to assist in the financing of sewer service to 160 homes.  The total project cost is $4,603,500, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture providing $4,003,500 and DCA providing $500,000 through a Community Development Block Grant.

Kingsland

The city of Kingsland was approved for a loan of $5,800,000 to assist in the financing of four lift stations, five miles of sewer force main and three and one-half miles of water mains. This project will increase the city's infrastructure capacity to serve newly annexed areas and other key development zones in East and West Kingsland.

Lawrenceville

The city of Lawrenceville was approved for a loan of $8,000,000 to assist in the financing of ten new wells that will be developed to produce drinking water. This project will also include the construction of a central water treatment facility.

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

The Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) provides financial assistance and administers programs that encourage stewardship of the environment and promote economic development statewide.  GEFA is the lead state agency for energy planning and alternative fuels; manages Conserve Georgia, the Governor's Energy Challenge and the Georgia Land Conservation Program; maintains state-owned fuel storage tanks; and offers financing for reservoir and water supply, water quality, storm water, solid waste and recycling infrastructure.

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