USDA funds Georgia city's sewer upgrades

2/15/2012

The city of Porterdale, Georgia, is hoping to use a USDA loan to update its outdated sewer system, the Rockdale Citizen reports.

According to Marty Boyd, the city's contracted engineer, 60 to 70 percent of its sewer system is at least 85 years old, and may soon face issues functioning due to outdated technology.

The news source notes in a separate article that the sewer system has "frequently blocked lines," and has forced the city to call on neighboring jurisdictions to borrow equipment.

"You've got the terra cotta pipes in 3-foot sections, and you have problems with roots getting into the system, and that's where the problems come in with sewer backups," Porterdale Public Works director Robert Witcher told the media outlet "We really haven't had the spills."

The City Council voted recently to borrow $1.68 million through the USDA's Rural Development Program, as well as refinance another $1.28 million - a move that could save the city about $20,000 annually. 

Boyd estimated that the total project could cost about $1.68 million.