GEFA news quarterly, Mar. 2013

GEFA NEWS QUARTERLY MARCH 2013 VOLUME X

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Governor's Water Supply Program

Application Period Now Open

1

Georgia Continues to

Protect its Land Resources

2

GEFA Assists with Environmental

Infrastructure Improvements

2

Innovative Program Helps Georgia Farmers Save Energy and Money 3

Win State Park Passes Visiting the Georgia Energy Challenge Website! 3

GOVERNOR'S WATER SUPPLY PROGRAM APPLICATION PERIOD NOW OPEN
The application period for the second round of funding for the Governor's Water Supply Program (GWSP) is now open. The application, available at www.gefa.org, provides information on the anticipated funding, a program timeline, and the complete GWSP application in a writeable electronic format.
During the first round of funding in 2012, GEFA and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs awarded $98,939,466 in loans and $9,060,000 state direct investment (SDI) for 10 water supply projects through the GWSP. Fifteen applications from communities seeking $189,095,758 in funding for their water projects were received during the initial application period.
The GWSP was launched in January 2011 when Gov. Nathan Deal issued an executive order charging GEFA with developing and implementing the GWSP to assist local governments in developing new sources of water supply adequate to meet future water needs.
Submit an application for funding through the GWSP at www.gefa.org.

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GEFA NEWS QUARTERLY MARCH 2013 VOLUME X

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GEORGIA CONTINUES TO PROTECT ITS LAND RESOURCES

GEFA ASSISTS WITH ENVIRONMENTAL INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS

GEFA expanded its investment in land conservation this quarter by funding the addition of more than 9,500 acres to the Townsend and Flat Tub wildlife management areas along the Altamaha and Ocmulgee Rivers. GEFA's $2.4 million loan to The Conservation Fund and $1.8 million loan to The Nature Conservancy leveraged $11.75 million from federal, private and other state funds to permanently protect the land, which is now open for public recreation.
These natural lands are home to endangered species, pristine wetlands and record-sized cypress trees, and support water quality in the Altamaha River Delta. The Altamaha Delta is a critical stopover for birds migrating along the Atlantic Flyway. The delta also supports important commercial fisheries on the Atlantic coast.
The Altamaha and Ocmulgee Rivers were used in the 19th century as a commercial route between central and coastal Georgia, and are still used for timber production and refining. Despite their commercial uses, most areas along these rivers remain in a natural state, attracting hunters, anglers and sightseers year-round.
For more information on the Georgia Land Conservation Program, visit http://glcp.georgia.gov/.

GEFA provided loans this quarter that not only helped local communities protect their water supply and quality, but assisted in stimulating economic growth in the state.
The Joint Development Authority of Jasper, Morgan, Newton and Walton Counties were awarded a $5,900,000 Georgia Fund loan to finance constructing an on-site pre-treatment facility for Baxter International. The pre-treatment facility will reduce biochemical oxygen demand from a maximum of 4,000 milligrams per liter to approximately 300 milligrams per liter.
Baxter International, based in Deerfield, Ill., is developing a new bio-pharmaceutical manufacturing facility at the Stanton Springs business park, which is located along Interstate 20 at the junction of Morgan, Newton and Walton Counties. It will manufacture plasma-based therapies that treat chronic and life-threatening illnesses, and also include warehouse and distribution facilities. The initiative will bring 1,500 jobs to the state, with the potential for hundreds more, and the total investment made by the company will exceed $1 billion. The plant would be Baxter's third in the Southeast - it also has plants in North Cove, N.C. and Cleveland, Miss.

Photo Courtesy of the Department of Natural Resources

McCaysville, Ga., was awarded a $5,650,000 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan to finance renovating the city's 1 million gallon per day water treatment plant. The project will include demolishing existing equipment and structures, constructing a new clear well, a chemical feed tank farm and feed systems, raw water pumps, high-service pumps, and other facilities. The total project cost is $5,650,000 with GEFA providing the entire amount.

WWW.GEFA.ORG

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GEFA NEWS QUARTERLY
MARCH 2013 VOLUME X
ENERGY RESOURCES AGRICULTURE IRRIGATION PROGRAM ASSISTS WITH ENERGY AND COST SAVINGS
GEFA sought to develop an energy program that would encourage farmers to reduce their dependency on foreign oil and seek out energy-efficient solutions for their businesses, as well as promote job growth. GEFA provided funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) to the Pine Country RC&D Council to launch a rebate program to help
farmers with the costs of replacing their inefficient diesel irrigation engines with efficient electric irrigation motors. Farmers in Bleckley, Dodge and Twiggs Counties had the opportunity to apply for rebates up to $15,000.
The rebate program in these three counties was a huge success, with 38 projects completed as a result. These 38 projects alone saved 12,835,219,307 in Btus per year, the amount of power used by more than 3,000 homes in one month, and 145,000 gallons in diesel fuel per year, which would fuel more than 200 cars for a year. Farmers will see the return on their investment within three years.
The popularity of the three-county rebate program encouraged GEFA to create a statewide program. This month GEFA launched the Georgia Agriculture Irrigation Motor (AIM) Program, which will allow farmers throughout the state to apply for rebates to replace inefficient diesel irrigation engines with more energy-efficient electric irrigation motors. The rebates will cover 25 percent of eligible project costs, with a $10,000 maximum rebate available. Projects eligible for the rebate must take place in the state of Georgia, and must replace a diesel engine that is at least 10 years of age and in service with an electric motor.
For more information, visit www.gefa.org.
WIN STATE PARK PASSES VISITING THE GEORGIA ENERGY CHALLENGE WEBSITE!
GEFA and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources are giving away family passes to any Georgia State Park, valued at $75, to two Georgia residents per month that pledge to save energy on the Georgia Energy Challenge website at www. GeorgiaEnergyChallenge.org. The giveaway runs April 1, 2013, through September 1, 2013. The two monthly winners will be announced on the 10th of each month.
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