Intended use plan: Clean Water State Revolving Fund, 2020

2020 Intended Use Plan
Clean Water State Revolving Fund
Prepared by the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority
June 1, 2020

2020 Intended Use Plan Georgia Environmental Finance Authority
Clean Water State Revolving Fund

Table of Contents

Contents

Page

Part I - Section 606 Requirements

Introduction.................................................................................................................................................... 3 CWSRF Project Solicitation Process ............................................................................................................. 3 CWSRF Comprehensive List......................................................................................................................... 4 CWSRF Fundable List and Estimated Disbursement Schedule .................................................................... 4 Terms and Conditions of Financing ............................................................................................................... 5 4 Percent Administration................................................................................................................................ 8 Criteria and Method for Distribution of Funds ................................................................................................ 8 WRRDA Implementation................................................................................................................................ 8 CWSRF Goals and Objectives .................................................................................................................... 10 20 Percent State Match Requirement.......................................................................................................... 10 Assurances and Specific Proposals ............................................................................................................ 10 Public Participation ...................................................................................................................................... 11
Part II - Attachments
Attachment 1 - Comprehensive List (Clean Water Projects)........................................................................ 12 Attachment 2 - Fundable List and Disbursement Schedule ......................................................................... 20 Attachment 3 - ASAP CWSRF Payment Schedule...................................................................................... 21 Attachment 4 - Estimated Sources and Uses .............................................................................................. 22 Attachment 5 - CWSRF 4 Percent Administrative Funds............................................................................. 23 Attachment 6 - 2020 CWSRF Affordability Criteria ...................................................................................... 24 Attachment 7 - Ranking Criteria for CWSRF Projects.................................................................................. 26 Attachment 8 - Public Meeting Summary IUP.............................................................................................. 28 Attachment 9 - Loan Program Policies ........................................................................................................ 29

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Clean Water State Revolving Fund Intended Use Plan 2020
Introduction
Section 606(c) of the Water Quality Act of 1987 requires each state to annually prepare an Intended Use Plan (IUP) identifying the use of funds from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). Section 606 also requires capitalization grant recipients to describe how they will support the goals of the CWSRF. This IUP outlines Georgia's proposed uses of the FY2019 CWSRF allotment of $26,869,000.
The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) was created by the Georgia General Assembly in 1986 as the successor agency to the Georgia Development Authority Environmental Facilities Program. GEFA serves as the central state agency for assisting local governments in financing the construction, extension, rehabilitation and replacement, and securitization of public works facilities. The GEFA board of directors consists of three ex-officio members and eight members appointed by the governor. Under an interagency agreement, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) provides professional services to administer the CWSRF. These services include, but are not limited to:
Project reviews and approvals; Planning and project development; Information tracking; Updating files; Information gathering and development of National Needs Survey; Issuing and approving Notices of No Significant Impacts (NONSI) and Categorical Exclusions (CE); Assistance with the National Information Management System (NIMS); and The Clean Water Benefits Reporting (CBR) database.
CWSRF Project Solicitation Process
Developing the CWSRF comprehensive list involves an online pre-application process where all communities requesting funding provide project-related information. GEFA initiated the project solicitation process on September 3, 2019, allowing prospective applicants to submit pre-applications until January 31, 2020. GEFA emailed the solicitation notice to its stakeholder list and coordinated with relevant trade and local government associations to further disseminate the project solicitation. GEFA also designated a section of its website to announce the solicitation for new projects. GEFA made available project solicitation packets that contained detailed information about financing terms, available funding, and the scoring system for project prioritization. GEFA accepted CWSRF pre-applications through an online pre-application form available on the GEFA website. GEFA used the pre-application information to score and rank all submitted projects. Fifty-eight clean water projects were submitted with a total need of $311,806,840. The CWSRF comprehensive list includes all clean water projects in descending order based upon project score.
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CWSRF Comprehensive List
The CWSRF comprehensive list (Attachment 1) includes clean water projects submitted during the preapplication solicitation period. The comprehensive list is comprised of the community, the project score, the population, the total project cost, whether or not the borrower is eligible for principal forgiveness, and a description of the project. The GEFA board of directors reserves the right to fund lower priority projects over higher priority projects if, in the opinion of GEFA, a higher priority project has not taken the necessary steps to prepare for funding and initiation of construction (i.e., GEFA has not received a complete and approvable financial application, the project is not ready to proceed, or the community withdraws its project from consideration). Additionally, if a qualified project becomes viable within the funding year, Georgia may amend its comprehensive list. To accommodate those communities that decide to participate in the CWSRF after the capitalization grant has been awarded, GEFA will hold quarterly meetings to include any new projects on the comprehensive list. This same process of public review and comment will be followed for any substantive change in the priority of the CWSRF.
CWSRF Fundable List and Estimated Disbursement Schedule
The CWSRF fundable project list with an estimated disbursement schedule is located in Attachment 2. The fundable list contains projects GEFA has identified as ready to move forward, which can be seen in the score column in Attachment 1. Projects qualify for the fundable list by meeting conditions such as: consent order issued by Georgia EPD, CE or NONSI issuance or approval, and/or are needed to maintain compliance with an applicable permit. Projects on the fundable list are projected to draw down the 2020 grant funds. GEFA created this disbursement schedule based on the eight quarters identified in the 2020 CWSRF payment schedule located in Attachment 3, which indicates the timeframe for requesting the CWSRF capitalization grant allotment from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Automated Standard Application for Payments (ASAP) System. Some of the projects listed on the disbursement schedule are one phase of a larger project and some of the projects may have a construction schedule longer than the eight quarters identified in the CWSRF payment schedule.
CWSRF assistance includes loan financing and any identified principal forgiveness as outlined in the applicable appropriations language. Assistance will also be provided to municipalities, water/sewer authorities, and any other entity created by the Georgia legislature and non-governmental organizations (NGO) for the purpose of land conservation loans. Eligible activities consist of construction, expansion, and improvements to publicly-owned wastewater treatment facilities; implementation of a non-point source pollution control projects; installation of solar arrays at wastewater treatment facilities; and purchase of land within Georgia resulting in the improvement of water quality. All borrowers must designate a repayment source(s) for each loan agreement signed with GEFA. All projects must be designed to meet current National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit limits and all other requirements needed to maintain water quality standards. All construction projects will meet the requirements of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA) with respect to Davis-Bacon requirements in section 513 and American Iron and Steel (AIS) requirements in section 608.
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Terms and Conditions of Financing
Standard CWSRF Financing Terms GEFA's benchmark interest rate is the true interest cost (to the nearest hundredth of one percent) received by the state on its competitively-bid, general obligation bond issue. GEFA currently offers CWSRF loans to local governments and authorities at an interest rate of 50 basis points (0.50 percent) below the benchmark rate.
CWSRF loans are available with terms as short as five years and not exceeding 30 years or the useful life of the project.
GEFA charges a one-time origination fee that is one percent of the total CWSRF financing provided for the project. The origination fee is charged on each commitment when the contract is executed and paid in the second month following contract execution. GEFA deposits origination fees into a separate non-project account. Program income, generated from direct capitalization grant funds, and non-program income, generated from repayment funds, will be collected and accounted for separately. Program income and non-program income can be seen as a source and use of funds in the Estimated Sources and Uses of Funds in Attachment 4.
CWSRF Conservation Financing Terms CWSRF-eligible conservation projects receive an interest rate reduction.
The following types of water conservation projects are eligible:
Installing or retrofitting water efficient devices, such as plumbing fixtures and appliances; Implementing incentive programs to conserve water, such as rebates for water efficient
fixtures; Inflow and infiltration correction; Installing water meters in previously unmetered areas; Replacing broken/malfunctioning water meters or upgrading existing water meters; Water recycling and reuse projects that replace potable sources with non-potable sources;
and Projects that eliminate septic tanks.
The following types of energy production and energy conservation projects are eligible:
Energy production projects at a publicly-owned treatment facility via wind, solar, geothermal, or biogas combined heat and power projects;
Inflow and infiltration projects that reduce power consumption; Projects that replace pumps and motors to reduce power consumption; Projects that eliminate pumps and pumping stations; and Projects that install energy efficient treatment equipment or processes.
The following types of land conservation projects are eligible:
Water quality protection for rivers, streams, and lakes; Flood protection;
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Wetlands protection; Reduction of erosion through protection of steep slopes, erodible soils, and stream banks; Protection of riparian buffers and other areas that serve as natural habitat and corridors for
native plant and animal species; Protection of prime agricultural and forestry lands; Protection of cultural sites, heritage corridors, archaeological and historic resources; Scenic protection; Provision of passive recreation; and Connection of existing or planned areas contributing to the aforementioned goals.
Principal Forgiveness The terms and conditions of the grant award allow subsidy in the form of principal forgiveness to borrowers of the CWSRF loan program. Exactly ten percent of the capitalization grant must be provided as additional subsidization and between zero percent and 30 percent of the capitalization grant may be provided as additional subsidization. Therefore, principal forgiveness will be provided to eligible projects until it is exhausted and not to exceed 40 percent of the capitalization grant. Both the project score and the affordability score will be considered.
GEFA contracted with the Environmental Finance Center at the University of North Carolina to develop a tool for evaluating and scoring communities to determine principal forgiveness eligibility. For each criterion, a borrower will be categorized into one of four percentiles - 25 percent, 50 percent, 75 percent, or 100 percent. A score of one through four is given for each criterion, based on the percentile. A maximum of 40 points is possible. If a community has multiple projects on the CWSRF comprehensive list, only one project can receive principal forgiveness. The affordability score for each applicant can be found in Attachment 1 and the ten criteria are listed below.

1. Median Household Income (MHI)

State Percentiles 25th Percentile 50th Percentile 75th Percentile 100th Percentile

(4 points)

(3 points)

(2 points)

(1 point)

MHI

$31,701

$40,155

$52,234 $52,235 and higher

2.Unemployment Percent

State Percentiles 25th Percentile 50th Percentile 75th Percentile 100th Percentile

(1 point)

(2 points)

(3 points)

(4 points)

Unemployment Percent

2.20%

3.60%

5.10% 5.11% and higher

3. Percentage Not in Labor Force

State Percentiles
Percentage Not in Labor Force

25th Percentile 50th Percentile 75th Percentile 100th Percentile

(1 point)

(2 points)

(3 points)

(4 points)

36.6%

43.80%

50.90% 50.91% and higher

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4. Poverty Rate

State Percentiles Poverty Rate

25th Percentile 50th Percentile 75th Percentile 100th Percentile

(1 point)

(2 points)

(3 points)

(4 points)

13.20%

21.20%

28.70% 28.71% and higher

5. Percentage on Social Security

State Percentiles
Percentage on Social Security

25th Percentile 50th Percentile 75th Percentile 100th Percentile

(1 point)

(2 points)

(3 points)

(4 points)

28.90%

35.70%

42.60% 42.61% and higher

6. Percentage on SSI

State Percentiles Percentage on SSI

25th Percentile 50th Percentile 75th Percentile 100th Percentile

(1 point)

(2 points)

(3 points)

(4 points)

3.90%

6.80%

9.90% 9.91% and higher

7. Percentage with Cash Public Assistance

State Percentiles
Percentage with Cash Public Assistance

25th Percentile 50th Percentile 75th Percentile 100th Percentile

(1 point)

(2 points)

(3 points)

(4 points)

0.50%

1.30%

2.50% 2.51% and higher

8. Percentage with SNAP

State Percentiles 25th Percentile 50th Percentile 75th Percentile 100th Percentile

(1 point)

(2 points)

(3 points)

(4 points)

Percentage with SNAP

11.60%

18.80%

26.00% 26.01% and higher

9. Age Dependency Ratio

State Percentiles 25th Percentile 50th Percentile 75th Percentile 100th Percentile

(1 point)

(2 points)

(3 points)

(4 points)

Age Dependency Ratio

57.80

67.00

77.30 77.31 and higher

10. Population Trend

The following categories will be used to determine the score for change in population from 2011 to 2018.
Positive growth or no growth (1 point) 7

Between -0.01 percent and -1 percent (2 points) Between -1.01 percent and -2 percent (3 points) Greater than -2 percent (4 points)
The following list shows the affordability score and potential principal forgiveness percentage for the FY2020 grant year:
Score of 38 - 40 will receive 60 percent, not to exceed $1,500,000 Score of 35 - 37 will receive 55 percent, not to exceed $1,300,000 Score of 32 - 34 will receive 50 percent, not to exceed $1,100,000 Score of 29 - 31 will receive 45 percent, not to exceed $900,000 Score of 26 - 28 will receive 40 percent, not to exceed $700,000 Score of 25 or less will not receive principal forgiveness
4 Percent Administration
Georgia intends to use repayment dollars in the amount of $1,074,760 for administrative purposes. A detailed account of the personnel costs associated with the administration of the CWSRF are found in Attachment 5.
Criteria and Method for Distribution of Funds
Attachment 6 explains Georgia's criteria and method used to score and distribute funds for CWSRF projects. Only those cities and counties that have been designated as a "Qualified Local Government" and are in compliance with O.C.G.A. Section 36-70-20 and appear on the comprehensive list may receive a CWSRF loan commitment. Lastly, only those communities that are in compliance with plumbing code standards as codified in O.C.G.A. Section 12-5-4 will be eligible for financing through GEFA. Eligible project costs include planning, design, engineering, construction, and in some limited cases, land acquisition costs attributed to the project. No loan will be executed until environmental approval has been issued and financial requirements have been met.
WRRDA Implementation
Several changes were made to the CWSRF through the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) on June 10, 2014. Outlined below is one of the changes and GEFA's strategy and procedure for its implementation.
Fiscal Sustainability Plans (FSP) According to the January 6, 2015, EPA guidance, Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA) Section 603(d)(1)(E) requires a recipient of a loan for a project that involves the repair, replacement, or expansion of a publicly owned treatment works to develop and implement an FSP or certify that it has developed and implemented an FSP. This provision applies to all loans for which the loan recipient submitted an application on or after October 1, 2014.
GEFA has developed a certification form for signature all CWSRF loan recipients that certifies that the recipient has developed and implemented and will continuously utilize an FSP. GEFA requires
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this certification from each recipient in accordance with FPWCA (603)(d)(1)(E)(i) as a condition of the loan agreement.
GEFA reserves the right to review the FSP certified by the loan recipient at any time to ensure compliance with FWPCA 603(d)(1)(E)(i). Elements of GEFA's review can include, but are not limited to, ensuring that the loan recipient developed an FSP, ensuring that the developed FSP contained the appropriate level of depth and complexity, ensuring that the FSP is implemented, and ensuring that the FSP appropriately integrates required water and energy conservation efforts as part of the plan.
Architectural and Engineering (A/E) Services Procurement For any capitalization grant awarded after October 1, 2014, the state must ensure that all A/E contracts for projects using funds "directly made available by" a capitalization grant, i.e., equivalency projects, comply with the elements of the procurement processes for A/E services as identified in 40 U.S.C. 1101 et seq., or an equivalent state requirement.
O.C.G.A Section 50-22-6 outlines Georgia's managerial control over acquisition of professional services and the selection through contract negotiations. O.C.G.A Section 50-22-2(5) defines a Project as any activity requiring professional services estimated by the state agency to have a cost in excess of $1,000,000 and costs for professional services in excess of $75,000. Using this criteria GEFA will require borrowers to go through a one-step selection process if project costs are between $1,000,000 and $3,000,000 and A/E services exceed $75,000. The one-step A/E selection process consists of the following:
1. Selection manager and selection committee appointment. 2. Development of a request for qualifications (RFQ) document. 3. Advertisement of the RFQ. 4. Evaluation of the statements of qualifications (SOQs). 5. Selection of highest-scoring firm for negotiation for possible contract.
GEFA will require borrowers to go through a two-step selection process if project costs are above $3,000,000 and A/E services exceed $75,000. The two-step A/E selection process consists of the following:
First step: 1. Selection manager and selection committee appointment. 2. Development of a request for qualifications (RFQ) document. 3. Advertisement of the RFQ. 4. Evaluation of the statements of qualifications (SOQs). Second step: 5. Interview of 3 to 5 highest scoring finalist firms. 6. Evaluation of interviews. 7. Selection of highest final scoring firm for negotiation of possible contract.
For project with costs below $1,000,000 and costs for A/E services below $75,000 no competitive procurement is required. GEFA will have RFQ templates of both one-step and two-step selection processes available by June 2019 for borrowers to use in anticipation of the FY2021 call for projects process that begins in September 2020.
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CWSRF Goals and Objectives
Long-term Goals 1. Explore the viability of regionalization and/or consolidation of systems to take advantage of economies of scale and to address the technical, managerial, and financial capacity issues experienced by disadvantaged communities. 2. Coordinate activities with other state and federal agencies to enhance borrowers' understanding of the range of funding options. Seek opportunities to leverage funds so that borrowers can benefit from the maximum level of public assistance available. 3. Maintain and improve database management systems that integrate Clean Water project data with program management data. 4. GEFA will continue to administer the CWSRF in a fiscally responsible manner that will ensure its revolving nature in perpetuity.
Short-term Goals 1. Improve SRF outreach and training to borrowers, project administrators, Area Development Districts, and engineers. 2. Hone GEFA's affordability assessment to possibly add new criteria that make sense for evaluating Georgia communities fairly and transparently. 3. Waive the maximum loan amount of $25,000,000 per year on a case by case basis to significantly reduce cash balances and increase pace.
20 Percent State Match Requirement
Under the provisions of the FWPCA Section 602(b)(2), the state is required to deposit an amount equal to 20 percent of the total capitalization grant into the CWSRF. Based on the potential FY2020 allotment of $26,869,000, the amount of state match required amounts to $5,373,800. The Georgia Legislature has been requested to provide sufficient general obligation bonds to GEFA to cover this requirement. GEFA will disburse these state bond funds along with federal direct capitalization grant funds in a manner that is proportionate to ensure the proper match on each loan disbursement. Each project which receives direct federal grant funds will receive a portion of the disbursement in federal funds (83.33 percent) and a portion of the disbursement in state match funds (16.67 percent). These state match funds will be held outside the CWSRF until the disbursement is made. Once these state dollars are disbursed to a project, those funds and the interest paid on those funds will become CWSRF funds and returned to the program.
Assurances and Specific Proposals
In addition to the assurances that accompany the capitalization grant application (Standard Form 424) for 2020 funds, GEFA further agrees to adhere to all the certifications covered within the Operating Agreement with EPA Region 4. The specific certifications are:
1. Capitalization grant agreement 2. Payment schedule 3. State matching funds
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4. Commitment of 120 percent in one year 5. All Funds - timely expenditure 6. Enforceable requirements of the Clean Water Act 7. Cross cutting issues 8. State law and procedures 9. State accounting and auditing procedures 10. Recipient accounting and auditing procedures 11. Annual report 12. Limitations on eligibility 13. Environmental review process 14. Maintain the fund 15. Perpetuity 16. Types of assistance 17. Priority list 18. Limitations of double benefits 19. Consistency with planning requirements 20. Annual audit 21. Intended use plan 22. Annual federal oversight review and technical assistance 23. Dispute resolution 24. Reserve the right to transfer up to 33 percent of grant amount between programs 25. NIMS 26. CBR
As in previous years, CWSRF program managers will continue to coordinate with the EPA Region 4 office on items such as quarterly and annual reports, annual reviews, National Needs Surveys, collection of NIMS data, training opportunities, attendance at regional and national conferences, workshops, and various administrative program efforts.
Public Participation
This IUP is subject to review and comment by the public prior to incorporation into the 2020 capitalization grant application. A public notice was placed in the Fulton Daily Report on Friday, May 15, 2020, announcing a public meeting on the CWSRF IUP on Friday, May 29, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. via conference call. A summary for the public meeting can be found within Attachment 8.
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Community
City of Norman Park City of Baldwin City of Summerville City of Thomaston
Gilmer Co. Board of Commissioners City of Hawkinsville

Score

2018 Pop. Total Project Cost

88

1,024

86

3,482

$5,000,000 $4,750,000

84

4,339

$3,000,000

82

8,802

$2,000,000

76 29,922

$755,000

62

5,310

$1,030,000

Affordability Score

Attachment 1 Clean Water State Revolving Fund
2020 Comprehensive List

Potential Principal Forgiveness

Est. Interest Rate Est. Term

Project Description

Wastewater

Sewer

Sewer

Stormwater

Land

Energy

Water

Treatment Construction Rehabilitation Projects Conservation Projects Conservation Water Reuse

Rehabilitate the existing sewage collection system. Use

CIPP, pipe bursting, or replacement to rehabilitate portions

of the system in need of repair. Repair, rehabilitate or

replace existing brick manholes, rehabilitate one lift station,

and replace one lift station.

Rehabilitate the existing WPCP. Rehabilitate or improve the

headworks, aeration basin, clarifier, disinfection and sludge

20

0.94%

20 handling system.

X

Improve the wastewater treatment facility to improve

21

1.94%

20 operations at the plant.

X

Rehabilitate and upgrade the gravity collection system to

reduce inflow and infiltration. Improvements will include

rehab, repair, or replacement of sewer mains and

manholes. The project will significantly reduce

inflow/infiltration, reduce energy consumption at the

wastewater plant, and address regulatory compliance

38 $1,500,000

0.94%

20 orders.

X

32 $1,000,000

1.94%

Replace equipment and install new equipment at the Bell

Creek WWTF and the Town Branch WWTF. At Bell Creek,

electrical components will be relocated and replaced. At

Town Branch, the oxidation ditch weir gate will be replaced,

the oxidation ditch will be dredged, a new clarifier will be

constructed, and a trailer-mounted belt press will be

20 installed.

X

Replace aging leachate pumps and a leaking transmission

main in an inactive landfill to the EGCWSA sanitary sewer

system for treatment. The existing pumps are operating

outside the manufacturers recommended range, causing

them to run at low efficiency and to wear-out prematurely.

Furthermore, the carrier main has ruptured on multiple

occasions due to bio-fouling and cross-sectional

constrictions. A long-term fix is necessary to safeguard an

adjacent stream and the public water supply downstream.

The project site is approximately 1 mile upstream of an

25

$264,250

1.94%

20 impaired segment of the Ellijay River.

X

25

$360,500

1.94%

Perform mechanical improvements at the city's North

WPCP. Renovations will replace original equipment that has

become inoperable or reached the end of its useful life with

new equipment for better treatment quality. Work will also

include replacement of existing lift stations pumps because

20 the pumps have reached the end of their useful life.

X

12

City of Waycross
City of Dublin Dekalb County City of Oglethorpe
Fort Valley Utility Commission City of Toccoa

60 13,836

$2,500,000

44 15,869 44 743,187

$2,056,770.31 $50,000,000.00

42

1,288

$2,226,900

40

8,740

$2,500,000

34

8,274

$5,920,000

Attachment 1 Clean Water State Revolving Fund
2020 Comprehensive List

34 $1,100,000

Replace equipment and construct improvements at the

Waycross Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) on

Lakeview Drive. All pipes, pumps, structures, and

appurtenances to be rehabilitated or replaced are located

1.94%

20 on the existing WWTP site.

X

Rehabilitate approximately 7,400 LF of existing 10 and 12-

inch clay and PVC gravity sewer main that runs through residential and commercial areas prior to its outfall into the

Alabama Road lift station. Manholes along this sewer

system will be rehabilitated using pressure grouting of

existing penetrations and field application of interior lining

systems. Construction will be performed primarily by pipebursting the existing clay and PVC pipe with new High

Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipe. Open trench removal

and replacement of existing sewer piping will only be

performed on an as needed basis. Additionally, sewer

service lines will be rehabilitated, removed and replaced as

31

$900,000

0.94%

20 needed.

X

Rehabilitate and repair the wastewater collection and

18

2.67%

30 treatment system.

X

34 $1,100,000

Dredge, replace mat covering, and replace all electrical

1.94%

20 equipment and motors.

X

33 $1,100,000

31

$900,000

Extend the sanitary sewer system to serve the new Peach

County High School. A new lift station will be constructed on

what is now property of the Peach County BOE. Nearly

14,000 feet of 8-inch force main will be installed to connect

the new lift station to an existing manhole which feeds into

the existing Lane Lift Station. The force main installation will

include jack and bore crossings with 20-inch casings

underneath S.R. 49 and the Norfolk Southern Railroad. A

1.94%

20 directional bore under Mossy Creek will also be required.

X

1.94%

Replace aging mechanical equipment for biological

treatment, pumping systems, clarification, disinfection, and

solids dewatering. Upgrade the chemical handling systems,

20 electrical system, and miscellaneous building systems.

X

13

City of Hinesville
City of Camilla City of Thomson City of Thomasville City of Cleveland

32 33,258

$3,448,170

26

5,000

$1,900,000

26

6,603

$8,361,000

24 18,546

22

3,834

$7,890,000 $12,600,000

Attachment 1 Clean Water State Revolving Fund
2020 Comprehensive List

Construct an SBR treatment train to prepare for new

discharge requirements. The plant is a four basin SBR

process permitted for 7.15 MGD. The city has been notified

that the NPDES permit currently being reissued will include

more stringent discharge parameters as a result of EPA

environmental concerns related to the Rainbow Mussel.

The existing plant can meet the projected permit limits as

long as all reactors remain in service. If, however, one of

the reactors is taken out of service for maintenance or if

equipments fails, the new permit limts would likely be

exceeded. In order to prepare the plant for the new limits, a

fifth SBR treatment train is needed. Existing tankage on site

17

1.94%

20 would be used to create the new treatment train.

X

Improve several processes at the existing wastewater

treatment facility and within the wastewater collection

system. The project will include the upgrade and the

replacement of existing equipment at the pre-treatment

facility for its Land Application System wastewater treatment

facility. The project will also include the dewatering,

removal, and disposal of sludge from the existing lagoons

and the rehabilitation of multiple lift stations within the city's

wastewater collection system. The failing lift station is

resulting in sanitary sewer overflows within the collection

system. Finally, the project will include SCADA components

that will make the wastewater collection/conveyance &

32

$950,000

1.94%

20 treatment systems more efficient.

X

X

34 $1,100,000
29 24

1.94%

Improve the wastewater treatment facility. Plant

improvements include rehabilitation and repair of existing

digesters and clarifiers, addition of new blowers and a new

backup generator, headworks improvements, upgrades to

the existing laboratory, modifications inside the existing

20 blower building, and SCADA improvements.

X

1.94% 1.94%

Improve the city's wastewater treatment facility.

Improvements include retrofitting an existing aeration basin

with a new process, modifying an existing effluent structure,

adding chemical feed equipment, and rehabilitating existing

pump station wet wells on site. Work also includes the

20 related electrical and ancillary work.

X

Upgrade and expand the existing wastewater treatment

20 plant from 0.75 MGD to 1.5 MGD.

X

14

City of Gray City of Griffin City of LaFayette
City of LaFayette
City of LaFayette

22

3,261

$9,000,000

22 22,725

$9,250,000

22

7,191

$2,250,000

22

7,191

$2,590,000

22

7,191

$1,900,000

Attachment 1 Clean Water State Revolving Fund
2020 Comprehensive List

Upgrade the capacity of the existing 0.4 MGD Wolf Creek

Water Pollution Control Plant to 0.8 MGD. The proposed

improvements will include: a new headworks structure with

mechanical bar screen, manual bypass screen, and a

screenings conveyor; a new 0.40 MGD DAVCO Field-

Erected Treatment Plant; rehabilitation and reorientation of

the existing package plant; relocation and upgrade of the

blowers for the aeration basin; installation of new blowers

for the aerobic digesters; construction of a new effluent

structure which includes disc filters, a new UV disinfection

system to replace the existing chlorine system, and blowers

for post-aeration to replace the existing cascade aeration

system; the installation of a new return activated sludge

pumping station; relocation of the existing waste activated

sludge pumps; a new plant pump station to return plant

drains and underflows to the head of the plant; conversion

of the existing dry lime feed system to a bulk liquid sodium

hydroxide system; and relocation of the existing metal salt

feed system . The project will also include the construction

of a new control building and the conversion of the existing

control building into an electrical building, evaluation of the

existing generator sizing, associated sitework and

underground piping, and other improvements within the

20

1.94%

20 treatment plant site.

X

Construct sludge management and drying facilities at

Potato Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant and Shoal Creek

30

1.94%

20 Wastewater Treatment Plant.

X

Construct a biosolids dewatering facility. LaFayette's bio-

solids disposal system is now operating with only one, last

remaining, site for land application of bio-solids. There is

little or no prospect of developing additional sites.

Therefore, it is imperative that the city construct a facility for

mechanically dewatering bio-solids to a dryness sufficient

30

1.94%

20 for disposal at the Walker County sanitary landfill.

X

Replace approximately 8,500 LF of old 8-inch and 6-inch

gravity sewer and brick manholes with new 8-inch ductile

iron and PVC sewers, 31 manholes, and 76 services. The

existing sewers are old and contribute significantly to

LaFayette's sanitary sewer infiltration problems.

Consequently, on Aug 6, 2019, EPD has announced intent

to issue a Consent Order for excessive infiltration/inflow-

30

0.94%

20 violations at the LaFayette Wastewater Treatment Plant.

X

Replace additional segments of the 10-inch and 8-inch

Spring Creek interceptor sewer from Dogwood Circle north

to Probasco Street with 4,600 LF of 15-inch gravity

interceptor and 20 new manholes.The existing sewers are

old and contribute significantly to LaFayette's sewer

infiltration problems. Consequently, on Aug 6, 2019, EPD

announced intent to issue a Consent Order for excessive

30

0.94%

20 infiltration/inflow violations at the LaFayette WWTP.

X

15

City of Baldwin City of Baldwin
Bartow County Town of Braselton City of Port Wentworth City of Dillard
City of Gainesville
City of Gainesville City of Helen City of Hoschton
City of Jefferson

4

3,482

4

3,482

$2,500,000 $425,000

4 103,620 4 10,509

$2,000,000 $1,200,000

4

7,946

4

372

$2,400,000 $750,000

4 38,624

$26,400,000

4 38,624

4

390

4 1,567

$20,000,000 $1,100,000
$500,000

4 10,693

$2,250,000

Attachment 1 Clean Water State Revolving Fund
2020 Comprehensive List

Upgrade and replace approximately 3.5 miles of aged and

undersized outfall and interceptor sewers including

21

0.94%

20 manholes and lift stations.

X

21

1.94%

20 Rehabilitate an existing failing lift station.

X

Relocate existing sanitary infrastructure to maintain sewer

service to Woodland High School and numerous residential

customers in several residential subdivisions, including

Carter Grove during the re-construction and widening of Old

Alabama Road from State Route 113 to Emerson. Construct

14,750 LF of 8-inch and 4-inch forcemain, 1,552 LF of 15-

21

1.94%

20 inch gravity sewer, and 8 manholes.

X

Rehabilitate an aged and undersized wastewater pumping

15

1.94%

20 station to reduce potential overflows and failures.

X

Replace approximately 17,700 LF of 8 and 10-inch

forcemain with 12-inch force main to assist in relieving the

stress on Cold Stream lift station No. 2, thereby greatly

reducing the probability of future back-ups and sewer spills

13

1.94%

20 in the sewer collection system.

X

Rehabilitate and replace approximately 4,300 LF of sewer

22

0.94%

20 line that is experiencing inflow and infiltration problems.

X

Replace an existing sanitary sewer pump station and

expand the city's sewer service area in the Squirrel Creek

Basin. New infrastructure will include gravity sewer,

forcemain and a pump station that will serve as a regional

22

1.94%

20 station for future sanitary sewer flows.

X

Construct a new sanitary sewer pump station along Athens

Highway (U.S. 129) and expand the city's sewer service

area. New infrastructure will include gravity sewer,

forcemain and pump station that will serve as a regional

22

1.94%

20 station for future sanitary sewer flows.

X

Replace the main lift station, which is aged and undersized,

24

1.94%

20 to reduce potential overflows and failures.

X

Upgrade and replace existing gravity sewer to reduce inflow

23

0.94%

20 and infiltration.

X

Replace the westside wastewater pumping facility that

serves most of the western sector of the city. The existing

facility is undersized, as is the existing forcemain. The

location of the forcemain route is proposed for relocation

into another outfall line that is more capable of handling the

19

1.94%

20 existing and anticipated flows.

X

X

16

City of Jefferson City of Jefferson Rabun County Water and Sewer Authority City of Statham City of Union Point City of Woodbury
Banks County Town of Braselton Town of Braselton

4 10,693

$1,420,000

4 10,693

$900,000

4 16,457

4

2,633

4

1,837

4

1,203

$12,000,000 $1,900,000 $2,000,000 $2,000,000

2 18,510

$20,000,000

2 10,509

$2,200,000

2 10,509

$1,500,000

Attachment 1 Clean Water State Revolving Fund
2020 Comprehensive List

Replace three aged and undersized wastewater pumping

19

1.94%

20 stations to reduce potential overflows and failures.

X

Replace an existing gravity sewer outfall line to provide

adequate capacity to the growing sewer collection basin

19

1.94%

20 area.

X

Improve the sanitary sewer system and expand it into the

southern portion of the County, where currently no public

26

0.94%

20 sewer is provided.

X

Rehabilitate and replace sewer line that is experiencing

20

0.94%

20 inflow and infiltration problems.

Rehabilitate and replace sewer line that is experiencing

30

0.94%

20 inflow and infiltration problems.

Rehabilitate and replace sewer line that is experiencing

25

0.94%

20 inflow and infiltration problems.

Construct a 0.50 million gallon per day (MGD) water

pollution control plant with the following unit processes: raw

sewage pump station, mechanical bar screen, vortex grit

separator, influent flow metering, sequencing batch

reactors, post-equalization, tertiary filtration, ultraviolet

disinfection, effluent flow metering, post-aeration, aerobic

sludge digestion and sludge dewatering. In addition, bulk

chemical storage will be provided to aid in the treatment

process and a plant pump station will be constructed to

return plant underflows to the treatment process. Several

buildings will be constructed at the WPCP including a

control building, a blower/electrical building and a sludge

dewatering/maintenance building. A stand-by generator will

also be provided to power the WPCP during power failures.

The project will also include a 21,500 LF gravity sewer main

to connect the existing sanitary sewer system to the

proposed WPCP, 2 new lift stations, and 20,000 LF of

forcemain to provide sewer service to the waste

management facility. Additional items to be included in the

project are underground piping, grading, SCADA, and site

23

1.94%

20 work.

X

X

Redirect wastewater flow in the northwest section of the

service area and add a central pumping facility to move

15

1.94%

20 wastewater to the new northeast relief sewer basin.

X

Stabilize approximately 1 mile of the Mulberry River to

protect existing utilities and allow the stream segment

currently listed as "non-attaining of designated use" due to

15

1.94%

20 TSS on the 303(d) list to meet its designated use.

X X X X

X

X

17

Braselton Public Facilities Authority
City of Blue Ridge City of Pooler City of Dillard City of Hoschton Lincoln County Lincoln County
McDuffie County Board of Commissioners City of Sky Valley City of Flowery Branch Barrow County Barrow County

2 10,509

$450,000

2

1,242

2 23,102

2

372

$3,500,000 $23,000,000
$800,000

2 1,567

2

7,799

$500,000 $3,992,000

2

7,799

$2,080,000

2 21,498

2

328

2

7,151

$1,627,000 $4,305,000 $23,300,000

0 76,887 0 76,887

$5,000,000 $1,200,000

Attachment 1 Clean Water State Revolving Fund
2020 Comprehensive List

Construct green infrastructure, including wet ponds and

associated land acquisition to manage stormwater runoff

from downtown Braselton. The project will improve water

quality in local streams by capturing, treating, and reducing

stormwater runoff and provide a source of passive

recreation for the community. The area will also serve as a

15

0.94%

20 new park for downtown residents and visitors.

Rehabilitate and upgrade two existing sewage lift stations

that are both over 30 years old and are causing continuous

maintenance problems for the city. There are also 2 other

existing lift stations that feed the others that will be taken out

of service by extending gravity sewer lines approximately

5,000 LF and rerouting a forcemain for approximately 3,500

LF. The project will also include SCADA improvements,

grinders, backup generators, and other improvements on

27

1.94%

20 the sewage lift station sites.

X

X

Expand of the city's wastewater treatment plant from 3.3

12

1.94%

20 MGD to 6.23 MGD.

X

Construct approximately 8,400 LF of sanitary sewer main in

22

1.94%

20 the Betty Creek area.

X

Upgrade the main sewer outfall to provide adequate flow for

23

1.94%

20 existing and future customers.

X

Extend the wastewater collection system to provide sanitary

sewer to an unserved area that is experiencing failing septic

24

0.94%

20 systems.

X

Extend the wastewater collection system to provide sanitary

sewer to the Ashmore-Barden area, which is currently

24

0.94%

20 unserved, and is experiencing failing septic systems.

X

Extend the existing sewer collection system to serve the

sewage disposal needs of McDuffie County residents

currently served by failing, private septic systems. The new

facilities will include 9,900 LF of 8-inch gravity sewer, a

sewage pump station, and 5,100 LF of 4-inch force main.

The work will include connection of residents' home

plumbing to the new sewer mains and decommissioning of

28

0.94%

20 their septic systems.

X

22

20 Address sewer system on-site septic problems.

13

1.94%

20 Expand and upgrade the water reclamation plant.

X

Improve and upgrade the Barber Creek wastewater

treatment facility to provide improved treatment and

17

1.94%

20 increased capacity.

X

Improve and upgrade the Tanners Bridge wastewater

treatment facility to provide improved treatment and

17

1.94%

20 increased capacity.

X

X X

18

Town of Braselton Town of Braselton City of Valdosta
Columbus Water Works
City of Gainesville City of Jefferson City of White

0 10,509

$1,550,000

0 10,509 0 56,074

$225,000 $10,500,000

0 196,670

$24,705,000

0 38,624

0 10,693

0

788

$22,000,000
$12,000,000 $464,000.00

Attachment 1 Clean Water State Revolving Fund
2020 Comprehensive List

Extend the reuse water distribution system, which will

reduce drinking water demand and will provide an

15

0.94%

20 alternative to irrigation with drinking water.

Extend the reuse water distribution system to existing water

customers, which will displace 30 MG per year of potable

15

0.94%

20 water used for irrigation.

23

0.94%

20 Install cellular AMI meters.

Construct various sewer system and wastewater treatment

plant upgrades. The project will include upgrading the

sewer basin and performing comprehensive flow monitoring

to confirm need for collection projects identified in the

Master Plan, installing 15,400 LF of 54-inch sewer

replacement to Bull Creek 30-inch trunk sewer, construct a

solids-handling building, sludge feed pumps, new/relocated

GBT's, polymer feed system, new/relocated dewatering

equipment, new cake pumps, electrical room, truck loading

area, and covered solids storage area, and CSO grit system

24

1.94%

20 improvements at Uptown Park.

X

X

X

Replace existing dewatering equipment at the Flat Creek

WRF that has reached the end of its useful life to provide

reliability and redundancy for sludge processing operations.

The project also provides a new structure with odor control

for the dewatering facility that will protect new equipment

and provide necessary storage for holding bio-solids until

22

1.94%

20 final disposal.

X

Replace the existing Land Application System with a 1.0

19

1.94%

20 MGD WWTF.

X

24

1.94%

20 Repair ditch and install pipe

X

X
X X

19

Loan

Project

Amount

City of Norman Park

$5,000,000

City of Baldwin

$4,750,000

City of Summerville

$3,000,000

City of Thomaston

$2,000,000

Gilmer County Board of Commissioners $755,000

City of Hawkinsville

$1,030,000

City of Waycross

$2,500,000

City of Dublin

$2,056,771

City of Ogelthorpe

$2,226,900

Fort Valley Utilities Commission

$2,500,000

City of Toccoa

$5,920,000

TOTAL $ 31,738,671

Notice To
Proceed 12/1/2020 8/1/2021 1/1/2021 7/1/2020 9/30/2020 8/10/2020 6/1/2020 11/1/2020 7/1/2020 8/1/2020 7/1/2021

Constr. Start Date 1/1/2021 9/1/2021 2/1/2021 8/1/2020 11/30/2020 8/10/2020 8/1/2020 11/1/2020 8/1/2020 8/1/2020 11/1/2021

Target Compl.
Date 1/1/2022 7/1/2022 1/1/2022 1/1/2021 10/1/2021 9/1/2021 7/1/2021 6/1/2021 12/1/2021 2/1/2021 12/1/2022

Attachment 2

Clean Water State Revolving Fund

Estimated Disbursement Schedule

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

1st

2nd

3rd

Qtr

Qtr

Gtr

Qtr

Qtr

Qtr

Qtr

7/20-9/20 10/20-12/20 1/21-3/21 4/21-6/21 7/21-9/21 10/21-12/21 1/22-3/22

$900,000 $1,350,000 $1,400,000 $1,300,000 $50,000

$800,000 $1,500,000 $1,200,000

$750,000 $750,000 $1,000,000 $500,000

$900,000 $1,000,000 $100,000

$100,000 $200,000 $300,000 $100,000

$55,000

$200,000

$350,000 $300,000 $100,000

$80,000

$300,000

$600,000 $800,000 $600,000 $200,000

$300,000 $1,000,000 $756,771

$300,000

$400,000 $500,000 $500,000 $300,000 $226,900

$500,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000

$300,000 $1,000,000

$ 2,200,000 $ 3,750,000 $ 4,650,000 $ 3,006,771 $ 1,680,000 $ 1,081,900 $ 1,000,000

4th Qtr 4/22-6/22 $1,000,000
$1,000,000 $ 1,000,000

Total Disburs. $ 5,000,000 $ 4,500,000 $ 3,000,000 $ 2,000,000 $ 755,000 $ 1,030,000 $ 2,500,000 $ 2,056,771 $ 2,226,900 $ 2,500,000 $ 2,300,000 $ 27,868,671

20

Attachment - ASAP CWSRF Payment Schedule Clean Water State Revolving Fund

Payment No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
TOTAL

Attachment 3 ASAP Payment Schedule Clean Water State Revolving Fund

Federal Fiscal Year

Quarter

Date

3rd

7/2020 - 9/2020

4th

10/2020 - 12/2020

1st

1/2021 - 3/2021

2nd

4/2021 - 6/2021

3rd

7/2021 - 9/2021

4th

10/2021 - 12/2021

1st

1/2022 - 3/2022

2nd

4/2022 - 6/2022

Amount ($) $26,869,000
$0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $26,869,000

21

Attachment 4 - Estimated Sources and Uses
GEFA Clean Water State Revolving Fund

Attachment 4

Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Sources and Uses

Administered by GEFA

State Fiscal Year July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021

Sources & Uses

Federal

State

CWSRF

Contribution Contribution Fund

Funding Sources

Loan Repayments (P&I)

62,331,960

Total 62,331,960

Investment Income
FFY 2020 Capitalization Grant

26,869,000

5,373,800

1,500,000

1,500,000 32,242,800

Total Funding Sources $26,869,000 $ 5,373,800 $ 63,831,960 $ 96,074,760

Funding Uses

Project Disbursements

26,869,000 5,373,800 62,757,200 95,000,000

FFY 2020 Administration

1,074,760

1,074,760

Total Uses $ 26,869,000 $ 5,373,800 $ 63,831,960 $ 96,074,760

22

Attachment 5 - CWSRF Administration from Repayment Dollars

GEFA is using repayment dollars to satisfy the administrative costs for the CWSRF. The costs are capped at $1,074,760, which is 4 percent of the allotment. The table below displays how $1,074,760 will be spent to administer the fund as well as ongoing projects.

4 Percent Administration (2020 - $1,074,760)

Activity CWSRF Administration

Activity
Activities include project reviews and approvals; planning; project development; information tracking; information gathering and development of the National Needs Survey; project ranking; issuing Notices of No Significant Impacts (NONSI); Categorical Exclusions (CE); construction management; MBE/WBE requirements; project inspections; and assistance with the National Information Management System (NIMS).
Total

Cost Engineering and Technical Support Contract: $288,520 GEFA staff: $786,240
$1,074,760

23

Attachment 6 - 2020 CWSRF Affordability Criteria

Clean Water State Revolving Fund Affordability Criteria

GEFA's affordability criteria uses data on median household income, unemployment rate, and population trends from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey. The borrower's data is categorized in percentiles. GEFA will award principal forgiveness to Georgia's most disadvantaged communities.
1. Median Household Income (MHI)

State Percentiles MHI

25th Percentile $31,701

50th Percentile $40,155

75th Percentile $52,234

2. Unemployment Percent State Percentiles
Unemployment Percent

25th Percentile 2.20%

50th Percentile 3.6%

75th Percentile 5.10%

3. Percentage not in the Labor Force

State Percentiles
Percentage not in Labor Force

25th Percentile 36.6%

4. Poverty Rate

State Percentiles Poverty Rate

25th Percentile 13.2%

50th Percentile 43.8%
50th Percentile 21.2%

75th Percentile 50.9%
75th Percentile 28.7%

5. Percentage on Social Security

State Percentiles
Percentage on Social Security

25th Percentile 28.9%

50th Percentile 35.7%

24

75th Percentile 42.6%

6. Percentage on SSI State Percentiles
Percentage on SSI

25th Percentile 3.9%

50th Percentile 6.8%

75th Percentile 9.9%

7. Percentage with Cash Public Assistance

State Percentiles
Percentage with Cash Public Assistance

25th Percentile 0.5%

50th Percentile 1.3%

75th Percentile 2.5%

8. Percentage with SNAP State Percentiles
Percentage with SNAP

25th Percentile 11.6%

50th Percentile 18.8%

75th Percentile 26%

9. Age Dependency Ratio State Percentiles
Age Dependency Ratio

25th Percentile 57.8

50th Percentile 67

75th Percentile 77.3

10. Population Trend
The following will be the categories used for determining scoring for change in population from 2011 to 2018. Positive growth or no growth Between -0.01% to -1% Between -1.01% and -2% Greater than -2%

25

Attachment 7 - Ranking Criteria for CWSRF Projects
Georgia Environmental Finance Authority 2020 CWSRF Call for Projects Project Ranking Criteria

Projects will be rated in three categories to determine eligibility and selection for funding through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Program.

CLEAN WATER SRF

Clean Water State Revolving Fund Scoring System (maximum 100 points) 1. Readiness to proceed 2. Compliance benefit 3. Project benefits (select all benefits that apply from each category) a. Stormwater management, nonpoint source, and sourcewater protection benefits b. Energy conservation, efficiency, and production benefits c. Wastewater collection, conveyance, and treatment benefits

CWSRF Scoring System Detailed Breakdown

1. Readiness to Proceed

a. State Environmental Review Process (SERP) complete (if selected, you must attach the NONSI or CE)
b. Compliance with State Nonpoint Source Management Plan verified

40 pts 40 pts

2. Compliance Benefits

CHECK HIGHEST LEVEL THAT APPLIES (only one option can be selected) a. Project is needed to fully address deficiencies documented in Emergency or Administrative Order from EPA or EPD (Order #:______________) b. Project will support implementation of a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) plan (applicable TMDL, water body name, and water body ID) c. Project is needed to achieve/maintain compliance with applicable permit (NPDES, LAS, MS4) (Permit #: _______________)

40 pts
30 pts 20 pts

3. Project Benefits

Stormwater Management, Nonpoint Source, and Sourcewater Protection Benefits

a. Project involves the permanent protection of a wellhead protection or

2 pts

groundwater recharge area or land within a designated Source Water

Protection Area.

b. Project will reduce nonpoint source pollution and provide passive recreation

2 pts

facilities open for public access.

c. Project will allow a stream segment currently listed as "non-attaining of

2 pts

designated use" on either the 303(d) list or the 305(b) list to meet its

designated use.

d. Project includes permanent protection of stream buffer zones and/or

2 pts

wetlands.

26

Energy Conservation, Efficiency, and Production Benefits

a. Project will reduce energy consumption at a wastewater treatment facility

2 pts

and/or collection system by 20 percent or more.

b. Project designed to reduce energy consumption by the utility through the

2 pts

replacement of pumps and/or motors, blowers, SCADA equipment, inflow

and infiltration correction, lighting upgrades, or other energy savings

products or processes.

c. Energy management planning projects, including energy assessments,

2 pts

energy audits, optimization studies, and other projects designed to

determine high energy use areas.

Wastewater Collection, Conveyance, and Treatment Benefits

a. Project will allow a facility to attain a level of treatment that is more

2 pts

stringent than secondary treatment or produces a significant reduction in

non-conventional or toxic pollutants. (BOD, nitrogen, phosphorus,

ammonia, metals, synthetic organic chemicals)

b. Project will reduce sanitary sewer overflows (SSO).

2 pts

c. Project will eliminate faulty septic systems

2 pts

* GEFA reserves the right to verify any information submitted within the pre-application.

27

Attachment 8 - Public Meeting Summary IUP
Georgia Environmental Finance Authority IUP Meeting Minutes Atlanta, Georgia 30303 Friday, May 29, 2020 10:00 a.m.
Call to Order The meeting was held on Friday, May 29, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. via conference call. In accordance with safety precautions regarding COVID-19 virus and in keeping with the Governor's Declaration of a Public Health State of Emergency, members of the pubic who want to participate in the public meeting must do so via conference call. GEFA staff present at the meeting were:
Amanda Carroll Ansley Jones Sarah Oken Stephen Gray Oshebar Hardman
Public participants present at the meeting were: None
Amanda Carroll welcomed everyone and introduced the staff in attendance. After discussing the purpose for the public meeting was to present and receive comments on the drafted 2020 Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds IUP, she opened the floor for comments.
Comments from Speakers No other comments were made. The meeting was adjourned at 11:00 a.m.
28

Attachment 9 - Loan Program Policies May 2020
GEORGIA ENVIRONMENTAL FINANCE AUTHORITY
1. PURPOSE
The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) provides affordable financing to local governments throughout Georgia to develop environmental infrastructure that protects public health, preserves natural resources, and promotes economic development. GEFA sustains this mission through effective, efficient, and prudent management of these public resources.
2. APPLICABILITY
Loan program policies govern the use of funds managed within the:
Georgia Fund, Georgia Reservoir Fund, Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF), and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF).
3. SUB-PROGRAMS
Georgia Fund
Emergency Loan Program The GEFA executive director has the authority to approve emergency loans to assist communities with financing improvements that are necessary to eliminate actual or potential public health hazards. Emergency loans are ratified at the next scheduled board meeting. The applicant must determine and document the emergency nature of the project and apply O.C.G.A. Section 36-91-22(e), which outlines the local government actions needed to classify a project as an emergency. Relevant terms are addressed in these policies.
4. ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS
Type of Entity
GEFA can provide financing to the following entities: o Local governments and instrumentalities of the state, o Municipal corporations, o County or local water, sewer, or sanitary districts, 29

o State or local authorities, boards, or political subdivisions created by the General Assembly or pursuant to the Constitution and laws of the state, and
o Nongovernmental entities with an approved land conservation project.
Minimum Recipient Qualifications
Qualified Local Government Municipalities and counties must be certified as Qualified Local Governments by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA).
Service Delivery Strategy Municipalities, counties, and authorities must be included in a DCA-verified Service Delivery Strategy. The project for which an applicant seeks financing must be consistent with the verified strategy.
State Audit Requirements Municipalities, counties, authorities, and nongovernmental entities must be in compliance with state audit requirements.
Metro Plan Compliance Municipalities, counties, and authorities located within the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District (MNGWPD) can receive GEFA financing if the director of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has certified that the applicant/recipient is in compliance or is making a good faith effort to comply with all MNGWPD plans and/or enforcement measures.
Updated Building Codes Municipalities and counties must adopt and enforce O.C.G.A. Section 8-2-3 relating to the installation of high-efficiency plumbing fixtures.
Current Loan Agreements A current GEFA borrower can receive additional GEFA financing only if the borrower is in compliance with the existing credit documents, e.g., loan agreement and promissory note.
Nongovernmental Entities Nongovernmental entities must be a nonprofit organization with a primary purpose of permanently protecting or conserving land and natural resources, as evidenced by their organizational documents and consistent with O.C.G.A. Section 12-6A-2(9.1).
5. ELIGIBLE PROJECTS
GEFA's loan programs provide financing for a broad range of water, wastewater, sewer, stormwater, nonpoint source pollution prevention, land conservation, and solid waste projects. Specific project eligibility varies by program. The types of projects eligible for financing in each program and the minimum project requirements are listed below.
Georgia Fund May finance projects consistent with O.C.G.A. Section 50-23-4 to: o Supply, distribute, and treat water o Collect, treat, or dispose of sewage or solid waste
Georgia Reservoir Fund May finance projects consistent with O.C.G.A. Section 50-23-28 to: o Expand the capacity of existing reservoirs or other sources for water supply o Establish new reservoirs or other sources for water supply
CWSRF May finance projects consistent with the federal Clean Water Act to: o Construct municipal wastewater facilities o Control nonpoint source pollution, including projects that permanently protect conservation land as defined by O.C.G.A. Section 12-6A-2(5) 30

DWSRF May finance projects consistent with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act to: o Install or upgrade facilities to improve drinking water quality or pressure, protect water sources, and provide storage create or consolidate water systems
Minimum Project Eligibility Requirements Under the Federal State Revolving Fund Programs
In addition to meeting the other applicable eligibility requirements outlined in these policies, projects receiving funding through the CWSRF or DWSRF must comply with applicable federal statutes, rules, and regulations. These requirements include, but are not limited to:
Each project must be included in an Intended Use Plan submitted by GEFA to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Each project must successfully complete the State Environmental Review Process, which is administered by EPD, and receive a Notice of No Significant Impact or Categorical Exclusion.
Each recipient must certify compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act by completing EPA Form 4700-4.
Each DWSRF project and CWSRF treatment works project must comply with applicable federal procurement and labor rules, including Disadvantaged Business Enterprise utilization, Equal Employment Opportunity, the Davis Bacon Act, and requirements that may arise in future federal law or future federal assistance agreements.
Each DWSRF project and CWSRF treatment works project must incorporate iron and steel products produced in the U.S. ("American Iron and Steel Requirement").
Each CWSRF treatment works project must certify that a Fiscal Sustainability Plan has been developed and is being implemented for the project or certify that a Fiscal Sustainability Plan will be developed and implemented for the project.
6. ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES
Recipients of GEFA financing may use GEFA funds for the following activities related to an eligible project:
Feasibility analysis Project design Construction, grading, site preparation, dredging, etc. Land and easement acquisition needed for project implementation Stream or wetland mitigation Administrative and/or legal services System purchase
Engineering, Legal, and Administrative Costs GEFA funds may be utilized for engineering, design, administrative costs, facilities planning, and land acquisition provided that these costs are necessary for the completion of the project defined by the scope of work and identified in the budget of the approved loan agreement. Such eligible costs incurred prior to the execution of a loan agreement are eligible for reimbursement with a GEFA loan. GEFA also offers engineering-only loans for these preliminary soft costs needed to facilitate the construction of an eligible project. GEFA will review and apply a standard to all project budgets.
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Purchase of Existing Systems An application that proposes to purchase an existing water and/or wastewater system must be accompanied by a certification of the value of the system by a registered professional engineer. GEFA will require other information as needed to document the content and costs of the purchase.
GEFA's loan agreement provides additional information about activities for which a borrower may or may not use GEFA funds.
7. PROGRAM MAXIMUMS
Loans available from GEFA are subject to the following maximums.
Georgia Fund
The maximum loan amount is $3,000,000 per borrower per year. The maximum loan amount for emergency loans is $500,000 per project. The standard amortization period is 20 years or the useful life of the project.
Georgia Reservoir Fund
The maximum loan amount will be determined based on availability of funds. The length of the amortization period shall be determined on a case-by-case basis consistent with
O.C.G.A. Section 50-23-28. The maximum amortization period is 40 years.
CWSRF
The maximum loan amount is $25,000,000 per borrower per year. The maximum loan amount for engineering loans is $2,000,000 per project. The maximum amortization period is 30 years not to exceed the useful life of the project.
DWSRF
The maximum loan amount is $25,000,000 per borrower per year. The maximum loan amount for engineering loans is $2,000,000 per project. The maximum amortization period is 40 years for communities designated as "disadvantaged" based on
GEFA's affordability criteria not to exceed the useful life of the project.
8. INTEREST RATES
GEFA indexes its interest rates to the true interest cost (to the nearest hundredth of one percent) received by the state on its 20-year, competitively-bid, general obligation bond issue. This is GEFA's benchmark rate; however, the interest rate adjustments described below may apply.
Federal Loans For CWSRF and DWSRF loans, GEFA will charge an interest rate that is 50 basis points (0.50
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percent) below GEFA's benchmark rate.
Interest Rate Concessions GEFA provides the following interest rate concessions for eligible borrowers or eligible projects under the specified funding programs. Interest rate concessions shall not be used in combination.
WaterFirst Communities that receive the WaterFirst designation may receive an interest rate 100 basis points (1 percent) below the prevailing interest rate for the program through which it is to be funded.
PlanFirst Communities designated as a PlanFirst Community may receive an interest rate 50 basis points (0.50 percent) below the prevailing interest rate for the program through which it is to be funded.
Conservation Communities seeking financing for eligible energy, land, or water conservation projects may receive an interest rate 100 basis points (1 percent) below the prevailing interest rate for the program through which it is to be funded as outlined in GEFA's Water Conservation Financing guidance.
Special Loan Terms The GEFA board may approve loans with different interest rates or specialized terms, e.g., principal forgiveness, consistent with specific program objectives and/or relevant federal requirements.
9. FEES
GEFA may assess certain fees to loan recipients.
Origination Fee GEFA will charge an origination fee of 1 percent pursuant to the loan agreement.
Loan Servicing Fees Under specific circumstances, GEFA may charge the following loan servicing fees:
GEFA may assess a non-sufficient funds fee (NSF) if the borrower fails to have sufficient funds in its designated bank account at the time the payment is drafted. The payment due may be for any type of payment due under the credit documents including origination fees, construction interest, monthly principal and interest payments, or any other fee. GEFA will charge the NSF fee to the borrower for each loan for which payment is due and not available.
GEFA may assess a late fee for any payment not received by the 15th of the month in which the payment is due. This will be in addition to any NSF fees assessed in the same month.
GEFA may assess a monthly Loan Continuation Fee in the event the borrower fails to draw funds within six months (180 days) of loan agreement execution.
For details about the fees, refer to the Loan Servicing Fee Schedule available at gefa.georgia.gov/loandocuments.
10. LOAN SECURITY
GEFA requires a revenue and full-faith-and-credit pledge of each borrower and any other special loan condition it may deem necessary, e.g., debt service reserve, etc.
For borrowers, such as authorities, that lack taxation powers or lack adequate taxation capacity to provide a fullfaith-and-credit pledge equal to the value of the loan, the following requirements will need to be fulfilled prior to
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execution of loan:
A debt service coverage ratio of 1.25x or greater. A debt service coverage ratio of less then 1.25x, but equal to or greater than 1.05x a reserve in the
amount of one year's debt service on the proposed debt must be deposited into a separate bank account that names GEFA as the beneficiary, prohibits the borrower from withdrawing funds without GEFA's written consent, and requires the bank to submit quarterly statements of activity and account balance information directly to GEFA. A debt service coverage ratio of less than 1.5x additional security through an agreement with the authority's local government that is willing and able to provide a full-faith-and-credit pledge to back the loan.
13. RELEASE OF GEFA FUNDS DURING CONSTRUCTION
GEFA monitors construction and endorses GEFA payments in accordance with the loan agreement. To allow monitoring, the loan or grant recipient must notify GEFA prior to commencing construction.
14. LOAN EXECUTION DEADLINE
If the loan agreement is not fully executed within six months (180 days) from the date of board approval, GEFA reserves the right to terminate its commitment.
15. LOAN RESTRUCTURING
Loan restructuring is the changing of terms and/or conditions of an existing loan. The range of restructuring options may include adjusting the interest rate of a loan, changing the amortization period of a loan, or changing the repayment schedule to adjust allocation between interest and principal. GEFA will consider a borrower's request to restructure its existing GEFA loan(s) on a case-by-case basis if the borrower is experiencing financial hardship. In evaluating a restructuring request, GEFA will consider at a minimum the following indicators of financial hardship:
The borrower's debt service coverage ratio history. The type and extent of efforts undertaken by the borrower to improve its financial condition, including
enhancing revenues from rate increases or raising of ad valorem taxes and/or reducing costs. Emergency or exigent circumstances beyond the control of the borrower that impose a long-term and
severe financial hardship.
Under no circumstances will loan principal be forgiven.
16. LOAN REFINANCING
Loan refinancing uses loan funds to pay off an existing debt obligation, thereby satisfying the terms of the existing debt agreement and cancelling the existing obligation. GEFA will consider requests to refinance existing GEFA debt on a case-by-case basis if one of the following conditions is met:
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The community is requesting a loan from GEFA to finance an eligible, time-sensitive, and critical project, but needs to consolidate existing GEFA debt into the new loan to afford the new project.
The community has an engineering loan it would like to refinance with the proceeds of a construction loan from GEFA, thereby combining the engineering loan and the construction loan into one loan.
17. CREDIT ANALYSIS GEFA requires a minimum debt service coverage of 1.05 times in the first year of repayment and each subsequent year of the outstanding GEFA debt.
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