Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority
The Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) is a state agency that provides assistance to local governments for water and sewer improvements through the use of low-interest loans. GEFA has approved more than $2 billion to cities and counties in Georgia since it was created in 1985.
In 1994, the Division of Energy Resources was added to GEFA. The Division of Energy Resources works to improve energy efficiency throughout the state and promotes the use of renewable energy. It also runs energy assistance programs that support sustainable economic development and help maintain the quality of Georgia's natural environment.
The Fuel Storage Tank Division was added to GEFA in 1995 with the goal of maintaining the state of Georgia's fuel storage tanks In addition to monitoring fuel storage tanks, the Fuel Storage Tank Division offers technical assistance to local governments that are having trouble complying with state and federal fuel handling standards.
GEFA is currently divided into four separate divisions to achieve its environmental goals. The divisions are Water Resources, Energy Resources, Fuel Storage Tank Division, and the Finance Division. These divisions coordinate their efforts to ensure that all Georgians have access to adequate water and waste facilities.
The daily operations of GEFA are attended to by its executive director. The current executive director is Phil Foil who has been serving in that role since 2009. The organization as a whole is overseen by a ten-member board of directors. The current chairman of the board is Mayor Gerald Thompson.
Programs and Services
The Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority has a number of programs and services that local governments can utilize to meet their water and sewage needs. These programs include:
- Low-interest loans for local water and sewage infrastructure improvement
- Maintenance and closure of state-owned fuel storage tanks
- Grants for the building of solid waste recycling facilities
- Grants to non-profit groups that work to improve energy efficiency in the homes of elderly and low-income families
- Assistance with land conservation
- Incentives to state and local governments to encourage the use of alternative fuel vehicles.
Contact the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority
Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority
233 Peachtree Street, NE
Harris Tower, Suite 900
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
Phone: (404) 584-1000
Fax: (404) 584-1069