Chapter 267-25 THE GEORGIA FUND $1,000,000 SEWER GRANT PROGRAM

Rule 267-25-.01 Purpose

In compliance with the "Fair and Open Grants" Article of the "Budget Accountability and Planning Act of 1993," following is the information on a grant program being implemented in the year of 2008.

Rule 267-25-.02 The Name of the Grant Program

The Georgia Fund $1,000,000 Sewer Grant Program.

Rule 267-25-.03 The Citation to Statutory Basis for the Grant Program in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated or Other General Law of the State of Georgia

Funded from a $1,000,000 direct appropriation by the 2008 Session of the General Assembly of Georgia.

Rule 267-25-.04 The General Scope and Purpose of the Grant Program

To provide one-time grants of up to $100,000 to small cities, counties and water and sewer authorities to build or expand a public sewer system. The recipient communities must own or operate a public water system and the proposed sewer system's customers must be located in areas that the local government is currently approved to serve with drinking water.

To provide Emergency grants to assist communities in financing improvements that are necessary to eliminate actual or potential public health hazards or violations of environmental regulations. To be eligible, the project must directly address system needs caused by an event that occurred within the past six months. The project must have a sense of urgency and cannot be caused by a lack of maintenance of the water or sewer system. For those communities that have eligible projects but cannot afford a loan, an Environmental Emergency Grant may be available for up to 100% of the project cost. The maximum grant amount per project is $100,000. The maximum amount of any combination of Emergency Loan and Grant funds per project is $200,000.

Rule 267-25-.05 General Terms and Conditions of the Grant

Small cities, counties and water and sewer authorities that own or operate a public water and/or sewer system are eligible. Qualifying governments may receive a maximum grant assistance amount of $100,000 to be combined with other funding necessary for the completion of the project. Other funding could be from GEFA or other agencies and must be secured prior to receiving a GEFA grant.

Rule 267-25-.06 Eligible Recipients of the Grant

Local governments as defined in O.C.G.A. 50-23-4(7).

Rule 267-25-.07 The Criteria for the Award of the Grant

Projects must undergo an environmental review by the Environmental Protection Division of the State of Georgia and meet the facilities planning requirements. If the project exceeds the grant maximum of $100,000, and the balance of required funding is to be provided by a GEFA loan, the local government must undergo a financial review by GEFA Finance Department and achieve a debt coverage ratio of 105%.

Rule 267-25-.08 Directions and Deadlines for Applying for Such Grant

Funding from the grant is very limited. Eligible governments with viable projects will be evaluated and awarded on a first come, first served basis. Local governments interested in applying for grant funds are encouraged to request a grant/loan application package from GEFA by calling 404/584-1000 or download an application from GEFA's website @ www.gefa.org.