As of Thursday, August 2, 2012
© Copyright 2013
Albany Herald
ATLANTA -- Georgia has awarded its first $100 million to build new reservoirs and water supply projects across the state, officials announced this week.
The money is the first to flow through a program launched by Gov. Nathan Deal. It is part of a four-year plan to spend $300 million on projects expected to help boost Georgia's home-grown water supply.
The governor began the finance program amid an ongoing fight over water with Alabama and Florida.
Eight projects received funding out of 15 submitted for consideration for loans and grants to plan, permit or build reservoirs or wells.
Nearly all of the money awarded in the initial round came in the form of loans to local governments and agencies, which will eventually have to repay the money.
Oconee and Walton counties will get two 40-year loans -- one for $20 million and another for $12 million -- for the new Hard Labor Creek reservoir.
Paulding County was awarded a 40-year, $29.1 million loan for the new Richland Creek reservoir.
Newton County will get a 40-year, $21 million loan for the new Bear Creek reservoir.
Three Georgia cities also received loans for water projects. Cornelia gets a 30-year, $6.8 million loan to improve an existing reservoir. Hahira will get a 20-year, $432,000 loan for a new water supply well. And Vienna will get a 20-year, $1.1 million loan for its water projects.
Just northeast of Atlanta, the Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority was awarded $4.4 million in direct funds to buy and connect a supply well.
The Southwest Georgia Regional Commission has been awarded $4.6 million in direct funds for test wells and storage.
More like this story
- Georgia 'Dirty Dozen' water list released ( November 14, 2012 )
- Flint River under assault of governor ( April 19, 2013 )
- Georgia borrowing drops under Deal ( September 4, 2011 )
- Flint Riverkeeper awards presented ( October 5, 2011 )
- Smithville set to get well funding ( November 17, 2009 )
Comments
chinaberry25 9 months, 3 weeks ago
Notice that Vienna and Hahira are the only city in southern Georgia. All the other cash flows to the big money in Lake Oconee and areas north. And these are not grants, they are loans. So how is this money being awarded? It will have to be paid back, so no favors were given.
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