Brady PieperDekalb County, Georgia, is making the largest investment for water and sewer infrastructure in county history, upgrading critical water systems, improving distribution and enhancing quality-of-life for residents.
The county’s Board of Commissioners is proposing a new Water and Sewer Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for fiscal years 2025-2034, seeking to guide Dekalb’s infrastructure spending over the next 10 years. Approved by the board last month, the new CIP will invest $4.27 billion to address decades of underfunding for aging water distribution and sewer systems while improving the county’s financial position.
“No one likes rate increases, but the cost of inaction is far greater,” Dekalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson said. “Our economic future, our ability to attract businesses and the well-being of every resident depend on these upgrades.”
The CIP proposes a water and sewer rate increase of 10 percent annually over 10 years, titled the “10 x 10” adjustment. The additional funding would allow the county to finance essential repairs, upgrade critical infrastructure and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and mandates.
Beyond the 10 x 10 adjustment, the CIP would be funded by a variety of sources, including an estimated 65.2% from new bonds, 16.4% from operating funds and 13.8% from the federal Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan program, according to a Board of Commissioner’s presentation.
The new investment seeks to upgrade and expand Dekalb County’s water infrastructure, focusing on repairing an aging treatment plant and single water source, which has not seen major improvements in over 15 years. This effort will involve measures to prevent system failures and protect residents and businesses from the hardships of power outages, contamination risks and emergency repair costs.
The county will also prioritize economic development and compliance with state and federal regulations under the new CIP. County officials anticipate the investment will create over 6,400 new jobs, attract new businesses and address regulatory mandates to avoid penalties and improve water quality.
The new CIP, regardless of funding availability, will finance several key multi-year water projects around Dekalb County. These include:
- Peachtree Industrial Boulevard – The project will replace 36” water transmission mains. The replacement is currently slated for 2025-2026 on an emergency basis.
- Scott Candler Water Treatment Plant – The project, which is anticipated for 2026-2029, will work on the treatment plant’s clearwells and pump station.
- Snapfinger Influent Pump Station – This project is scheduled for 2026-2029.
- Consent Decree Truck Sewer Projects – This project includes the First Trunk into P&C – Shoal Creek Trunk Sewer Section 1, slated for 2026-2029.
- 60-Inch Water Transmission Main Loop Phase A – This project’s first phase is currently scheduled for 2023-2034.
Dekalb County is pursuing additional funding sources for capital projects and water and sewer infrastructure initiatives.
Outlined during the Board of Commissioner’s February meeting, the county anticipates completing a Water First designation and an application for Georgia Environmental Finance Authority funds in 2025. The county will also apply to additional grant funding opportunities, expand water loss reduction efforts with new leak detection technology and seek funding through a third WIFIA loan.
“We cannot afford to kick the can down the road any longer,” Cochran-Johnson said. “This is our moment to secure a better future for DeKalb County.”
Image by Manuel Schmitt from Pixabay
