Local Leaders See New Sewer Project as Key to Economic Future

Local leaders in Franklin County say they hope the planned installation of a new sewer line along the I-85 corridor will be an answer to the county’s economic prayers.

On Tuesday, Franklin County and the City of Carnesville received a USDA loan/check pkg in the amount of $2.7 million dollars to help pay for the six mile project.

The new sewer line will extend along I-85 from the 160 Exit at SR51 to the 166 Exit at SR106 and is expected to attract new industry into Franklin County. 

Plans involve two new lift stations as well as a totally new wastewater treatment plant that will be built in the City of Carnesville.

“We’re really looking forward to it, from an environmental compliance standpoint and from an economic development standpoint,”  Carnesville City Mayor Harris Little told the group of federal, state and local officials Tuesday. “Back before the economy turned south, we had to turn down some projects along the Interstate because we couldn’t handle the sewage.  So, we don’t want to be in that position again.”

Little noted the town of Carnesville, which already has its own wastewater treatment plant, has not been in EPD compliance for some time and said the new treatment plant on the drawing board will eliminate that problem.

Jack Stanek is the Community Program Director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s North Georgia office.  Noting Tuesday was Earth Day, Stanek said the I-85 sewer project represents the USDA’s goal of environmental responsibility.

 “Earth Day is a very big event for the USDA because of our water and sewer funding,” Stanek said. “Having access to clean drinking water and safe sewage treatment is critical to any community and it’s a big part of Earth Day.”

In a press release issued Tuesday by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsak for Earth Day, Vilsak noted the Franklin County/Carnesville Sewer project was one of 116 water/sewer projects in 41 different states totaling $387 million dollars in USDA investments.

State Senator John Wilkinson praised both Franklin County and Carnesville leaders for working together over the past four years to make the  project possible.

“I do think this project is a good example of what can happen when people can work together,” Wilkinson said. “I just want to congratulate Franklin County and the City of Carnesville for this achievement.”

Franklin County Commission Chair Thomas Bridges said the I-85 sewer project will help spur much-needed economic development in the county.

“It’s certainly a privilege to be a part of what is taking place today,” Bridges said. “I personally can see great things coming out of this.”

The total estimated cost of the sewer line/wastewater treatment project is $6.3 million.

The City of Carnesville has committed $200,000, and the Franklin County Industrial Building Authority has agreed to contribute $500,000 to the project.  In addition to the USDA loan/grant package, the rest of the funding will come out of the county’s water/sewer fund.

According to County Manager John Phillips construction is expected to begin in about 18-months.