The CWSRF and DWSRF can fund a wide variety of water infrastructure projects to protect water quality and improve public health. The Georgia Fund has similar eligibility requirements as the CWSRF and DWSRF; but is also focused on economic development projects, projects that cannot meet federal requirements, and/or projects that cannot be financed through the CWSRF and DWSRF. In addition to water infrastructure, the Georgia Fund can finance solid waste recycling, diversion, disposal, and waste reduction projects.
GEFA will use affordability criteria and project rank to determine principal forgiveness for the CWSRF and DWSRF. The size of the community as measured by the number of water or wastewater connections is now included in the affordability criteria. GEFA has also updated the project scoring criteria to rank projects. Project ranking is based on readiness to proceed, compliance benefits, public health (DWSRF), water quality (CWSRF), priority project types, priority planning elements, and priority applicant status. CWSRF and DWSRF projects will be listed in priority order, incorporated into the Intended Use Plans, and submitted to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.