Spalding County Water Authority outlines $18–22 million AKB sewer plan, asks county for short-term support

Spalding County’s water utility told county commissioners on March 3 that a proposed sewer system to serve the Arthur K. Bolton corridor would open roughly 5,000 acres to sewer service, require a multi-part construction program and likely need short-term county support to begin operation.

The Spalding County Water Authority’s general manager, Joseph Johnson, told the Board of Commissioners the authority has spent about $3.6 million so far — including $2.9 million in ARPA funds the county provided — and now estimates remaining capital needs at roughly $18.2 million, with a placeholder all‑in cost that could reach about $21.8 million as design and permits progress. "We've spent roughly $3,600,000 to date," Johnson said. He said the authority has completed about 80% of the construction documents and submitted required permits.

The ask and why it matters: Johnson said the authority is seeking county consideration of a contribution on the order of $500,000 a year for three years beginning June 2026 to help cover initial debt service and operating shortfalls as customers are connected. Commissioners discussed the request as an investment in economic development:…