Gov. Brian P. Kemp, along with members of the Georgia Water and Sewer Infrastructure Committee and other state leaders, announced that Forsyth County has been awarded $32.6 million for future water and sewer infrastructure upgrades and projects.

“Because we remained focused on protecting lives and livelihoods throughout the pandemic, Georgia is now in a position to make strategic, transformational investments in our state’s water and sewer infrastructure,” said Gov. Brian Kemp.

“We awarded this project to support Forsyth County in returning water to Lake Lanier to secure water supply for a growing Metro Atlanta area for generations. We are glad to put our support behind this unique project that benefits not only Forsyth County but also north Georgia and the entire state. I want to thank Forsyth County leadership for being proactive with their infrastructure needs and preparing for the future. I also want to commend my floor leader Rep. Lauren McDonald, who has worked tirelessly behind the scenes on behalf of his constituents to ensure Forsyth County has the resources they need to build the foundation for continued prosperity.”   

The funds issued by the state are targeted for the construction of a pipeline and diffuser that will send treated water back to Lake Lanier from the County’s Fowler Water Reclamation Facility.

“Major water infrastructure updates such as the return flow pipe and water intake facility have been years, even decades, in the making and we are excited to see those plans come to fruition,” said Chairman and District 2 Commissioner Alfred John. “I appreciate the governor’s support for our water infrastructure initiatives that will help lay the foundation for our community’s future.”

In addition to the return pipe project, the County announced in November that it is constructing a raw water intake facility along Lake Lanier that will, once complete, provide reliability and redundancy for water supply, improved water quality, while saving the County approximately $3 million annually in raw water purchases from the City of Cumming.

The funds received by the County are part of $422 million awarded by the state to various communities to ensure high-need areas have reliable and safe drinking water and wastewater systems. Forsyth County’s award was the largest of any local government in the state.

“We are grateful for Gov. Kemp’s support and investment in Forsyth County,” said Forsyth County Manager Kevin Tanner. “The fact that Forsyth County was chosen to receive this significant award for water infrastructure is a testament to the importance of Forsyth County to the metro Atlanta region and the state of Georgia. We have some very large water infrastructure upgrades coming in the near future, and the funds will lead to an immediate savings on those projects.”