GEFA Approves Water System Infrastructure Projects Totaling $4.9 Million for Four Georgia Communities

ATLANTA – As part of Governor Sonny Perdue’s vision for sustainable economic development, Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) Executive Director Kevin Clark announced today the approval of financing for four water system infrastructure projects totaling $4.9 million. The GEFA executive committee approved the commitments to help finance water system infrastructure improvements for the cities of Calhoun, Demorest, Sky Valley and Thomaston.

“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, sewer and solid waste programs administered by GEFA assist local governments with improving their environmental infrastructure,” said GEFA Executive Director Kevin Clark. “Financing water, sewer and solid waste 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, sewer and solid waste infrastructure helps communities in all areas of the state,” said J.C. Warren, 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 today:

City of Calhoun

The city of Calhoun was approved for a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loan of $1.6 million to finance the expansion of the Brittany Drive Water Treatment Plant. Calhoun will pay three percent interest on a 20-year loan for $1.6 million, the total cost of the project, with 30 percent of the principal drawn to be forgiven.

City of Demorest

The city of Demorest was approved for a Georgia Fund loan of $200,000, the total cost of the project to finance emergency pump modifications and construct new altitude valves and a booster pump station. Demorest will pay two percent interest on the 10-year loan of $200,000, the total cost of the project. Georgia Fund policy contains an Environmental Emergency Loan provision to assist communities in financing improvements critical to eliminating actual or potential public health hazards and environmental regulation violations. Environmental Emergency loans have an interest rate of two percent and the maximum loan amount is $300,000.

City of Sky Valley

The city of Sky Valley was approved for a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loan of $1.2 million to finance well rehabilitation, two new storage tanks, new waterlines, valves and a water booster pump station. Sky Valley will pay three percent interest on a 20-year loan for $1.2 million, with 30 percent of the principal drawn to be forgiven. The total cost of the project is $1.5 million with the balance of $300,000 provided by a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission.

City of Thomaston

The city of Thomaston was approved for a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loan of $1.9 million, the total cost of the project, to finance replacing existing water mains and related infrastructure within the city’s Peachtree Heights service area. Thomaston will pay three percent interest for one year on the $1.9 million loan, with 30 percent of the principal drawn to be forgiven.

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 $2 billion to local governments, businesses and nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit www.gefa.org.

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