Committee approves GIFA loan application and several Watershed contracts tied to consent‑decree work

The City Utilities Committee on July 15 approved several Watershed Management funding and contract items, including authorization to apply for up to $37 million from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) to support wastewater and drinking‑water capital improvements, and approved a nearly $38 million sewer replacement contract tied to consent‑decree obligations.

Deputy Commissioner Jonathan Williams told the committee the GEFA application would allow Watershed to access subsidized loans (the applicant mentioned a 3.49% interest example) to fund infrastructure upgrades, stream restoration, sewer capacity relief and energy‑efficiency work while limiting ratepayer impact. The resolution to apply for GEFA funding passed (vote recorded as 5‑0).

The committee also voted favorably on several Watershed contract renewals and construction awards. A South Fulton Trunk Relief System sewer replacement contract (project 1c) with Ruby Collins/Benchmark joint venture covers eight locations and approximately 47 sewer segments totaling about 11,500 linear feet; the contract was listed at an amount not to exceed $37,989,932 and the committee approved the award as amended (vote recorded as 5‑0). Other contract renewals for annual repair pools and project renewals were approved in the same meeting.

Councilmembers and staff noted that these projects support consent‑decree compliance and stressed the need to monitor project status and procurement documentation. The committee amended one contract item to add documentation referenced in the IPRO report before approving it.

Ending: Committee approved the loan application and awarded the sewer replacement contract; members asked Watershed to provide IPRO and procurement documentation and to report on project progress as work proceeds.