Special to The Post-Searchlight

Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) Executive Director Kevin Clark announced Tuesday the approval of a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan of $6,000,000 to the city of Donalsonville. The loan was approved by the GEFA board of directors and will finance an upgrade to the existing water pollution control plant from 400,000 gallons per day to 1 million gallons per day.

“The federal water and sewer programs administered by GEFA assist local governments with improving their environmental infrastructure,” Clark said. “Through the Clean Water program, affordable financing helps cities and counties improve water quality.”

Clark expressed appreciation to Gov. Nathan Deal, State Sen. John Bulloch and State Rep. Gerald Greene for their support. He credited the state’s commitment to helping cities and counties finance infrastructure development as one of the main contributors to GEFA’s success.

GEFA helps communities prepare for economic growth and development by providing low-interest loans. Donalsonville will pay 3 percent interest on the 20-year loan of $6,000,000, which includes principal forgiveness of up to $500,000 if all loan funds are drawn.

The CWSRF is a federal loan program administered by GEFA for wastewater infrastructure and water pollution reduction projects. Eligible projects include a wide variety of storm water and wastewater collection and treatment projects.

Cities and counties interested in more information regarding the CWSRF should visit www.gefa.org or call (404) 584-1000.