Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) is proud to share that the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) has awarded loans totaling $7.1 million to five communities in Georgia’s 2nd Congressional District. The loans will finance infrastructure improvements for water, sewer, and solid waste treatment plants.

“Since 1985, the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority has diligently worked to preserve and enhance Georgia’s energy and water resources,” said Congressman Bishop. “These resources will substantially benefit our Georgia communities, and I am grateful for the agency’s attention and dedication to enhancing water infrastructure in Middle and Southwest Georgia.”

In a partnership between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and GEFA, the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) combine federal funding with state and local support for projects that support health-related water supply and conservation projects, water quality improvements, wastewater treatment, as well as repairs to sewer and storm water projects.

The City of Cairo in Grady County received a $2,500,000 DWSRF loan for improvements to the city’s water treatment plants, including the installation of an arsenic removal system, three high-service pumps, and a chemical feed building.

The Fort Valley Utility Commission received a $1,700,000 CWSRF loan and a $700,000 DWSRF loan. The CWSRF funding will be used for the replacement of 2,000 linear feet of failing sewer mains and a new lift station, which are necessary to provide services to the new Warner Robins Welcome Center. The DWSRF funding will be used for the installation of water mains and a booster pump station.

This project will provide redundancy to Fort Valley State University and extend water service to the new Warner Robins Welcome Center.

The Unified Government of Georgetown-Quitman County received a $319,000 CWSRF loan and a $323,000 DWSRF loan. This CWSRF funding will be used for the installation of a pond liner, air relief valves, and a generator. The new system will allow upgrades to prevent possible groundwater contamination. The DWSRF funding will be used for the installation of a booster pump station and pressure reducing valves, and the replacement of water mains. The project will also connect the city and county water systems.

The City of Bainbridge in Decatur County received a $1,055,000 CWSRF loan. This CWSRF funding will be used for the installation of new gravity sewer lines and the rehabilitation of five pump stations. The new system will address the city’s aging infrastructure and help the treatment plant to operate more efficiently.

The City of Colquitt in Miller County received a $540,000 CWSRF loan. This CWSRF funding will be used for the installation of sewer mains. The new system will address the city’s aging infrastructure and reduce wastewater spills.

Congress established the CWSRF in 1987, and it has provided over $65 billion in assistance for water infrastructure projects since its establishment. The DWSRF was established by Congress in 1996. Congress has appropriated the program approximately $20 billion since its establishment, supporting over 12,400 projects.