Governor Perdue Announces $27 Million in Loans and Grants to Finance Water and Sewer System Infrastructure Improvements

GEFA Board of Directors Approves Loan and Grant Package Today

ATLANTA – Today Governor Sonny Perdue announced the approval of three Georgia Fund commitments totaling $2,896,493, two Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) commitments totaling $4,125,000 and one Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) commitment totaling $20,000,000.  The Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority’s (GEFA) Executive Committee approved the loans and grants to help finance water and sewer infrastructure projects for Catoosa County, Crawford County, Dade County WSA, Ellijay-Gilmer County WSA, Henry County WSA and the town of Tignall.

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

“GEFA’s loan 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 and sewer 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.”

The Georgia General Assembly recently approved Governor Perdue’s Amended FY08 and FY09 budget recommendation of $120 million for water infrastructure and reservoir development. 

“The projects that we agreed to finance today show 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.”

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 DWSRF and CWSRF are federal loan programs administered by GEFA for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects respectively.  Eligible projects include a wide variety of public health-related water supply, wastewater collection and treatment projects. 

Details of the loans and grants approved today are below:

Henry County Water and Sewerage Authority

Henry County was approved for a CWSRF loan of $20 million to help finance the expansion of the Walnut Creek Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) from four million gallons-per-day to eight million gallons-per-day.  The Henry County WSA will pay three percent interest on the 20-year loan.

Ellijay-Gilmer County Water and Sewerage Authority

The Ellijay-Gilmer County WSA was approved for a DWSRF loan of $3,125,000 for the construction of a six million gallon storage tank, pumps and a power generator. The Ellijay-Gilmer County WSA will pay three percent interest on the 20-year loan.  GEFA is financing the entire estimated cost of $3,125,000.

Town of Tignall

The town of Tignall was approved for a DWSRF loan of $500,000 and a subsidy of $500,000 to help finance the construction of new wells and well renovations, distribution and storage improvements, and the replacement of water meters.  The city will pay zero percent interest on the $500,000 loan.  GEFA is financing the entire estimated cost of $1,000,000.

Catoosa County  

Catoosa County was approved for a Georgia Fund sewer grant of $50,000 to help finance a sewer extension to serve the Lakeview Community.  Forty homes in the area will be able to discontinue the use of septic tanks as their method of waste disposal.  The remainder of the $550,000 total project cost will be provided by the Department of Community Affairs through a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant.

Crawford County  

Crawford County was approved for a Georgia Fund loan of $1,946,493 to finance the placement of water lines that will help hundreds of residents who had been relying on private wells. The county will pay 4.1 percent interest on the 20-year loan.  GEFA is financing the entire estimated cost of $1,946,493.

Dade County Water and Sewer Authority

The Dade County Water and Sewer Authority was approved for a Georgia Fund loan of $900,000 to construct an elevated storage tank and water mains sufficient to serve homes in the Mount Carmel community of neighboring Walker County. Dade County Water and Sewer Authority will pay 4.1 percent interest on the 20-year loan.  GEFA is financing the entire estimated cost of $900,000.

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

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