Governor Announces $2.5 Million in Loans, Grants to Finance Water and Sewer Infrastructure Improvements

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Contact: Office of Communications 404-651-7774, Shane Hix, GEFA, (404) 584-1043

ATLANTA – Governor Sonny Perdue announced today the approval of two Georgia Fund loan commitments totaling $2,167,028 and four grants totaling $323,000. The Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) board of directors approved the loans and grants today at a meeting in Savannah to help finance water and sewer infrastructure projects for Effingham County and the cities of Arabi, Garden City, Harlem and Nunez.

“These projects are critical to the quality of life of citizens in these communities,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “I am pleased the state is partnering with local governments on these important water and sewer infrastructure projects.”

            “GEFA’s 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, sewer, and solid waste improvements,” said Chris Clark, executive director of GEFA.  “In addition to the public’s health and safety, these projects are critical to a community’s ability to prosper economically.”

            Clark expressed appreciation to Governor Perdue and the Georgia 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.

“The projects that we agreed to finance today illustrate 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.  

Details of the loans and grants approved today are below:

 

City of Arabi

 

The city of Arabi was approved for a Georgia Fund loan of $207,028 and a grant of $75,000 for the drilling of a replacement well.  The city’s primary well is experiencing poor water pressure and poor water quality.  The city of Arabi will pay two percent interest on the 20-year loan.

 

EffinghamCounty

 

Effingham County was approved for a water reuse grant of $100,000 for the installation of a 500,000- gallon storage tank. Current reuse customers include two residential subdivisions and a concrete ready-mix plant. Two additional subdivisions are scheduled to come on line in the near future.  The total project cost is $419,000 with local funds providing the remaining $319,000.

 

City of Garden City

 

The city of Garden City was approved for a Georgia Fund loan of $1,960,000 to upgrade two wastewater lift stations and to replace a sludge pumping station. The city of Garden City will pay 4.27 percent interest on the 20-year loan.

 

City of Harlem

 

The city of Harlem was approved for a grant of $100,000 to extend sewer service to residents who are currently not being served by the city. 

 

City of Nunez

 

The city of Nunez was approved for a grant of $48,000 for repairs to the city’s water treatment pumps. 

 

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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