Requested Action (Identify appropriate Action or Motion, purpose, cost, timeframe, etc.)
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Request approval of a Memorandum of Agreement between Fulton County and the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA), for continued participation in the GEFA’s WaterFirst Community Program. The contract is effective January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2025. (APPROVED UPON ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT AGENDA)
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Requirement for Board Action (Cite specific Board policy, statute or code requirement)
O.C.G.A. 36-10-1 (2010): All official contracts entered into by the County’s governing authority with other persons on behalf of the County shall be in writing and entered in its minutes.
Strategic Priority Area related to this item (If yes, note strategic priority area below)
Health and Human Services
Commission Districts Affected
All Districts ☒
District 1 ☐
District 2 ☐
District 3 ☐
District 4 ☐
District 5 ☐
District 6 ☐
Is this a purchasing item?
No
Summary & Background (First sentence includes Agency recommendation. Provide an executive summary of the action that gives an overview of the relevant details for the item.)
Scope of Work: The GEFA’s Waterfirst Community Program is a voluntary partnership between local governments, state agencies, and other organizations recognizing communities that have demonstrated a strong commitment to water resource stewardship.
In 2014, Fulton County received the WaterFirst Community designation through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA). The 5-year agreement was approved by the Board of Commissioners on July 16, 2014, Agenda Item# 14-0509. Effective July 1, 2018, administration of the WaterFirst Program was transferred to the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA). Fulton County’s WaterFirst designation expired and has subsequently been approved for renewal.
Communities that earn the WaterFirst designation are eligible for financial and other benefits from the State of Georgia including:
- Statewide recognition for environmental stewardship;
- 1% interest rate reduction on GEFA loans;
- Annual eligibility for water-related project applications to the Community Development Block Grant Program; and
- Priority status for the 319(h) Grant Program administered by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.
Community Impact: Over the past five years, Fulton County has made great strides in ensuring our framework of comprehensive planning, application of best available water and sewer practices, and public education were effective in managing our water resources to sustain projected growth well into the future.
Department Recommendation: The Department of Public Works recommends approval of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for continued participation in the WaterFirst Program, which is administered by GEFA.
Project Implications: In addition to the reduction in GEFA interest rates on future loans for water associated projects and statewide recognition, the County enjoys access to the WaterFirst peer network and resources.
Community Issues/Concerns: The Department of Public Works is not aware of any issues/concerns raised by the community.
Department Issues/Concerns: The Department of Public Works does not have any issues or concerns with the agreement.