Walton County to receive funds for Hard Labor Creek reservoir project in the US

The Walton County Water and Sewerage authority will receive a $32m loan from the state of Georgia to complete the Hard Labor Creek reservoir project in Walton County, which is estimated to cost $91m.

Oconee County’s share will be 28.8% of the $59m remaining project cost, while Walton County’s share will be 71.2%.

The loan sanctioned is part of the $90.4m funding announced by the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) and Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to ensure adequate and sustainable water supply for the future.

Through the governor’s water supply programme, $9m has been awarded for eight water supply projects including the Hard Labor Creek reservoir project.

Georgia’s Walton County has been working on the project since 1994 with Oconee County joining in 1999.

GEFA Executive Director Kevin Clark was quoted by oconee.patch.com as saying the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and the water supply task force worked to develop a plan to help local governments finance water supply infrastructure.

"Today we’re making our initial funding awards and we look forward to supporting more projects in the near future," said Clark.

"Georgia has proactively sought solutions to the water supply issue, including developing new water sources and promoting water conservation."

"By ensuring adequate supply through both new water sources and conservation, Georgia’s water needs can be met.