Franklin County Receives $2.5M GEFA Loan for Water Projects

Franklin County has been approved for a water improvement loan from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority of over $ 2 million.

County Engineer John Phillips made the announcement at this week’s Board of Commission work session.

On Monday, GEFA announced that the Franklin County Board of Commissioners was awarded a $2.5 million Drinking Water State Revolving Fund conservation loan.

Phillips said the loan has a repayment of 20 years at 3.24% but with approval for 50% principal forgiveness.

According to Phillips, when the County initially applied for the loan, Commissioners were still considering whether to purchase the Carnesville water sewer system and that was written into the loan application.

However, last November, the Board announced the County had decided not to pursue that purchase citing the expense involved in repairing and renovating the system.

Phillips told the Board Tuesday that they can still accept the money to use for a number of other important water projects.

Jacques then commended Phillips and the staff for their hard work securing the loan, calling it very timely.

Franklin County was one of only 11 communities in the State to receive GEFA loan monies this award cycle.

The City of Elberton also received a GEFA Drinking Water Fund loan of $2.5 for improvements to its water system.