Politics
Bill allows state funds to aid local water conservation
By Aaron Gould Sheinin
March 4, 2013The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority would be allowed to help local governments make repairs and conserve water under legislation approved Monday in the state House.
House Bill 199, sponsored by Majority Whip Edward Lindsey, R-Atlanta, would allow the GEFA’s Reservoir and Water Supply Fund to expand its efforts beyond reservoirs. The bill passed 169-0 and now goes to the Senate.
Lindsey said he is often asked whether the state should focus its water efforts on “capacity or conservation.”
“The answer is simple,” he said. “Yes, we should focus on both.”
The bill would allow the GEFA to help local water systems to spot leaks, make repairs and “make maximum use of water,” Lindsey said.
