First Phase of Sewer Expansion Project Now Complete

The first phase of the sewer expansion project along Veterans Parkway is now complete.

According to Executive Director of the Development Authority Tim Martin, the project began in 2006 and is meant to expand the sewer collection system in the City of Toccoa.

Martin says the project was divided into two phases and with the first now complete, the focus will be shifted to the second phase, which is along Big A Road.

The total project is a 10 million dollar project and Martin said it was funded by several different agencies.

“The City of Toccoa and Stephens County citizens voted SPLOST back in November 2007, $2 million of those funds were invested in this first half,” said Martin. “The Federal EDA (Economic Development Administration) put in $1.42 million, the state of Georgia via a one Georgia Authority grant pitched in $200,000 and the Appalachian Regional Commission pitched in $300,000.”

According to Martin, this project is important because it will lead to more jobs for the community.

“Growth follows sanitary sewer capabilities,” said Martin. “These upgrades along Veterans Parkway and in the industrial area will encourage our industries and others to continue to make investments in our community, which will translate into jobs for our citizens.”

Martin said the second phase of the project will take about 5-6 years to complete.