Governor Announces Sewer and Solid Waste Infrastructure Projects Totaling $11.5 Million for Six Georgia Communities

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue announced today the approval of funding for six environmental infrastructure projects totaling $11.5 million. The GEFA executive committee approved the commitments to help finance water, sewer and solid waste infrastructure improvements for the cities of Blue Ridge, Cornelia, Franklin Springs, Lumpkin, Rincon, and Newton 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 Georgia Fund is a state-funded program administered by GEFA for water, wastewater and solid waste infrastructure projects. The Georgia Fund provides loans to local governments for projects such as water and sewer lines, treatment plants, pumping stations, wells, water storage tanks and water meters. 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 Blue Ridge

The city of Blue Ridge was approved for a Georgia Fund Loan of $2,156,500 to finance the construction of a water main extension. The county will pay a 3.81 percent interest rate on the 20-year loan. The total project cost is $2,156,500, with GEFA financing the entire amount.

City of Cornelia

The city of Cornelia was approved for a Georgia Fund Loan of $3,498,138 to finance wastewater infrastructure improvements. The county will pay a 3.81 percent interest rate on the 10-year loan. The total project cost is $3,498,138, with GEFA financing the entire amount.

City of Franklin Springs

The city of Franklin Springs was approved for a Georgia Fund Loan of $86,700 to finance improvements at the city’s wastewater treatment facility. The city will pay a 3.81 percent interest rate on the 10-year loan. The total project cost is $86,700, with GEFA financing the entire amount.

City of Lumpkin

The city of Lumpkin was approved for a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loan of $325,250 to finance the replacement of 645 manual-read water meters with remote radio-read water meters. The county will pay a three percent interest rate on the 20-year loan. The total project cost is $325,250.

Newton County

Newton County was approved for a Georgia Fund loan of $3,000,000 to finance the expansion of the county’s municipal solid waste landfill. The county will pay 3.81 percent interest on the 20-year loan. The total project cost is $4,000,000, with $3,000,000 financing Phase I and future funding of Phase II for $1,000,000 in calendar year 2011.

City of Rincon

The city of Rincon was approved for a Georgia Fund loan of $2,500,000 to help finance the construction of a water reuse distribution and irrigation system. The city will pay 3.81 percent interest on the 20-year loan. The total project cost is $2,610,000, with the city contributing $110,000.

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

About the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (www.gefa.org)

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 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 and solid waste infrastructure.

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