ATLANTA — As part of Gov. Sonny Perdue’s vision for sustainable economic development, Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority Executive Director Phil Foil announced Wednesday the approval of a Georgia fund loan of $556,500 for the city of Walthourville.  The loan, approved by the GEFA board of directors, will finance a new well, well house and chemical feed equipment.  
 “Infrastructure improvements increase quality of life for Georgia citizens, and they help cities and counties create jobs and promote economic development,” Perdue said.  “I’m pleased this investment is being made in water system infrastructure.”  
“The Georgia Fund loan program is a tangible commitment by Gov. Perdue and the General Assembly to assist local governments across the state with their efforts to provide clean water and sewer improvements,” Phil Foil said.  “In addition to the public’s health and safety, these projects are critical to a community’s economic growth and prosperity.”
Foil expressed appreciation to Perdue, state Sen. Tommie Williams and state Rep. Al Williams for their support.  He credited Perdue’s commitment to helping Georgia cities and counties finance infrastructure development as one of the main contributors to GEFA’s success.  
GEFA helps communities prepare for economic growth and development by providing low-interest loans and grants.  The city of Walthourville will pay a 3.81 percent interest rate on the 20-year loan. The total project cost is $556,500 with GEFA financing the entire amount.