GEFA Approves Water, Sewer and Solid Waste Infrastructure Projects Totaling $6.9 Million for Five Georgia Communities

STATESBORO – Governor Sonny Perdue announced today the approval of funding for five environmental infrastructure projects totaling $6.9 million. The Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) board of directors met in Statesboro today and approved the commitments to help finance water, sewer and solid waste infrastructure improvements for Barrow County, Bulloch County, the Dade County Water and Sewer Authority, and the cities of Sandersville and Swainsboro.

“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 and sewer programs administered by GEFA assist local governments with improving their environmental infrastructure,” said GEFA Executive Director Phil Foil. “Financing water and sewer 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 and sewer 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:

BarrowCounty

Barrow County was approved for a Georgia Fund loan of $3,000,000 to help finance wastewater infrastructure. The county will pay a 3.81 percent interest rate on the 20-year loan. The total project cost is $10,000,000.

BullochCounty

Bulloch County was approved for a Georgia Fund Loan of $672,500 to help finance expanding the county’s recycling center building. The county will pay a 3.81 percent interest rate on the 20-year loan. The total project cost is $672,500, with GEFA financing the entire amount.

Dade County Water and Sewer Authority

Dade County Water and Sewer Authority was approved for a Georgia Fund Loan of $1,000,000 to help finance water infrastructure improvements, including rehabilitating a pump station and a well at a water treatment plant, constructing a 200,000-gallon storage tank and making improvements to the infrastructure supporting Flintstone subdivision. The county will pay a 3.81 percent interest rate on the 20-year loan. The total project cost is $1,000,000, with GEFA financing the entire amount.

City of Sandersville

The city of Sandersville was approved for a Georgia Fund Loan of $1,195,000 to help finance the installation of water and sewer lines. The city will pay a 3.81 percent interest rate on the 20-year loan. The total project cost is $1,195,000, with GEFA financing the entire amount.

City of Swainsboro

The city of Swainsboro was approved for a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loan of $500,000 and a subsidy of $500,000 to finance replacement of one water tank and the rehabilitation of a second water tank. The city will pay zero percent interest on the 20-year loan for $500,000.The total project cost is $1,000,000.

            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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