THOMASVILLE, Ga. (AP) – Officials in one south Georgia city are seeking $7.5 million to improve a wastewater treatment plant that’s been ordered to upgrade.
The Thomasville Times-Enterprise reports the facility needs structural work, plus upgrades to improve its capacity.
Officials say old concrete is at risk, meaning a heavy storm could create a failure. Plus, without any extra capacity, the city will have trouble accommodating new and expanding businesses.
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division told the city on June 1 that it had three years to reach compliance. Plus, changes to environmental regulation of the Ochlockonee River could affect the plant’s operation.
The city is seeking a $5.7 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to pay for 80% of needed work. The city would be responsible for 20% of the cost, and is seeking to borrow that money from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority.