Federal money near for Georgia water projects

Over 127-million dollars could be on the way to Georgia for critical infrastructure projects. The U.S. Senate on Monday passed water resources legislation—-it now goes to President Bush for his signature. Georgia Republican Senator Johnny Isakson was a member of the committee that penned the compromise on the bill.

Georgia’s share of the money would include over 80-million dollars for numerous municipal infrastructure projects across the state. Specific projects include 10-million dollars for Savannah Riverfront development.

Columbus mulling lawsuit over ‘Hooch water use

Chattahoochee River, July 4, 2007: sandbars illustrate
lack of water. Columbus is on right, 13th St. bridge to
Phenix City, AL, is in background. (Photo: Dave Bender)

The city of Columbus is considering filing a lawsuit against the US Army Corps of Engineers over reduced access to the Chattahoochee River.

The city council first discussed the issue in June, and a resolution giving the go-ahead for the lawsuit was agreed upon at a closed session on July 10.

The city says that unless the waterworks and water treatment facilities get their full allocation mandated by its state permit, they may have to spend millions in equipment upgrades.

Mayor Jim Wetherington and Governor Sonny Perdue have met twice in recent weeks to discuss the issue.

The council is set to decide the matter on Tuesday.

Water and sewer money possible for Georgia

Several small towns and counties in Georgia await a vote by the U-S Senate today, on whether they'll get money for water and sewer improvements. Part of a huge spending bill includes almost 14-billion dollars for water and sewer projects across the country. Georgia's take could be 55-million dollars.

The biggest chuck of money would go to projects in the metro Atlanta area. Smaller amounts of money just as needed would go to areas such as Toccoa, Moultrie, and Dahlonega. Other areas in line to receive money with a "yes" vote: Chattooga, Banks and Berrien counties.