Toccoa allocates $5M for urgent water plant upgrades and infrastructure improvements

During the recent Stephens County Board of Commissioners meeting, significant discussions centered around the urgent need for upgrades to the water treatment infrastructure in Toccoa, Georgia. The meeting highlighted the critical role of water supply in the region, particularly as Toccoa serves as a water provider for the surrounding areas, including Martin.

City officials revealed plans to allocate $5 million from the upcoming Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) for water plant upgrades. This funding is part of a broader strategy to enhance the city’s water and sewer systems, which have already seen substantial investment—approximately $50 million in sewer infrastructure improvements over the past year. However, officials acknowledged that the existing water plant requires extensive rebuilding to maintain its status as a regional supplier, indicating that the costs will exceed what can be funded through local revenues alone.

The discussion emphasized the necessity of seeking additional federal and state funding to support these ambitious plans. While the immediate focus will be on maintaining current operations and making necessary repairs to the existing facility, the city is committed to developing a comprehensive plan for the new water plant. This plan will involve collaboration with engineers to determine the overall costs and timeline for construction.

In addition to water infrastructure, the meeting outlined other allocations from the SPLOST, including $3 million for sewer improvements, $1 million for city vehicles, $1 million for city building upgrades, and $1 million for road, bridge, and culvert repairs. These allocations reflect a strategic approach to managing the city’s resources while keeping utility rates and the millage rate as low as possible.

As Toccoa moves forward with these plans, the community can expect ongoing discussions about funding strategies and project timelines, which will be crucial for ensuring the sustainability of the city’s water supply and infrastructure.