GEFA Approves Environmental Infrastructure Projects Totaling $18.2 Million for Eight 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 eight environmental infrastructure projects totaling $18.2 million. The GEFA board of directors approved the commitments to help finance water, sewer and storm water system infrastructure improvements for DeKalb County, the White County Water Authority, and the cities of Hawkinsville, Hinesville, Nashville, Roswell, Royston and Summerville.

“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 programs administered by GEFA assist local governments with improving their environmental infrastructure,” said GEFA Executive Director Kevin Clark. “Financing water and sewer 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 and sewer infrastructure helps communities in all areas of the state,” said J.C. Warren, acting 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 Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) is a federal loan program administered by GEFA for wastewater infrastructure and water pollution abatement projects.  Eligible projects include a wide variety of storm water and wastewater collection and treatment projects.

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:

DeKalbCounty

DeKalb County was approved for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan of $1 million to finance alternative storm water infrastructure to preserve and protect the ecological environment at Mason Mill Park. DeKalb County will pay three percent interest on the five-year loan for $1 million. As a green project, 50 percent of the principal amount drawn will be forgiven. The 2010 CWSRF program guidelines direct the states to reserve 20 percent of the CWSRF funding for projects that address water or energy efficiency improvements or other environmentally-innovative activities.

City of Hawkinsville

The city of Hawkinsville was approved for a Georgia Fund loan of $86,350 to finance wastewater system improvements to increase line capacity and correct overflow problems during heavy rain. The city of Hawkinsville will pay 3.81 percent interest on the 10-year loan for $86,350.

City of Hinesville

The city of Hinesville was approved for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan of $4.6 million to finance improvements to Bryant Commons Pond and Canal that will assist with sediment collection and slope erosion. The city of Hinesville will pay three percent interest on the 20-year loan for $4.,6 million, with the city receiving 15 percent of the principal amount drawn to be forgiven.

City of Nashville

The city of Nashville was approved for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan of $6.3 million to finance construction of a new wastewater treatment facility. The city of Nashville will pay three percent interest on the 20-year loan for $6.3 million, with the city receiving 15 percent of the first $5 million drawn in principal forgiveness.

City of Roswell

The city of Roswell was approved for a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loan of $1.5 million to finance an automated water metering infrastructure project. The city of Roswell will pay three percent interest on a 10-year loan for $1.5 million, the total amount of the project. As a green project, 50 percent of the principal drawn will be forgiven. The 2010 DWSRF program guidelines direct the states to reserve 20 percent of the DWSRF funding for projects that address water or energy efficiency improvements or other environmentally-innovative activities.

City of Royston

The city of Royston was approved for a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loan of $461,985 to finance new automated meter reading systems. The city of Royston will pay three percent interest on a 10-year loan for $461,985, the total amount of the project.

City of Summerville

The city of Summerville was approved for a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loan of $2.5 million to finance the renovation of the Raccoon Creek Water Treatment Plant. The renovations will improve water quality and reduce water loss. The city of Summerville will pay three percent interest on a 20-year loan for $2.5 million with $301,879 in principal forgiveness.

White County Water Authority

The White County Water Authority was approved for a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loan of $1.2 million and a $500,000 subsidy to finance water system improvements, including new water lines, a storage tank and a well. The Authority will pay zero percent interest on a 20-year loan for $1.2 million and receive $500,000 in a Disadvantaged Community Program subsidy.

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            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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