Royston to Receive $2M GEFA Loan to Improve Water System

The City of Royston is the recipient of a Georgia Environmental Finance Authority or GEFA loan.

The announcement was made Tuesday by State Senators John Wilkinson, Frank Ginn and Lee Anderson.

Royston will receive two million dollars from the State’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan worth $2 million.

Royston City Manager Ed Andrews says the money will be used to make improvements to the city’s water/wastewater system.

“Basically, it’s a rehabilitation of the wastewater treatment plant,” Andrews said. “We’re going to be adding new equipment and new technology to be able to provide the requirements that the EPD has imposed on the City.”

Senator Wilkinson tells WNEG News providing such GEFA loans allows municipalities to provide citizens with more cost effective wastewater treatment facilities.

“By improving this facility, we will be able to reduce inefficiencies within the plant and provide the citizens of Royston with a more cost effective wastewater treatment center, he explained.”

State Senator Frank Ginn is chair of the Natural Resources Committee and lives in the Royston area.

Ginn said he’s glad to see steps being taken to ensure a more efficient water filtration system being implemented in the community.

“I look forward to the completion of this project and the future of economic growth and development in this community,” Ginn said.

“These loans are vital in order to sustain growth and development throughout the City of Royston,” said Sen. Anderson. “This facility will help ensure that the citizens of Royston and the surrounding areas have access to an efficient, modern wastewater treatment center. I want to thank GEFA for addressing the needs in our community and I look forward to the completion of this project.”

The 20-year Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan is part of a federal loan program administered by GEFA, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the state of Georgia.

Royston will pay 1.55 percent interest on the 20-year loan, which qualifies for a reduced interest rate because a portion of the project is a conservation activity.

The loan also includes a principal forgiveness up to $500,000 if all funds are drawn.

The program is used to provide communities with low interest loans for water, watershed, water conservation and solid waste infrastructure projects.