Yes Virginia there is a Santa Claus and he paid a visit to Atlanta today in the form of an announcement by Governor Sonny Perdue and another by Senator Eric Johnson, both good news for Atlanta’s beleaguered sewer system.

Governor Perdue today announced the state’s willingness to provide Atlanta assistance by way of $50 million yearly for ten years in Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) loans. To further assist the City, the Governor stated he will extend the loan repayment plan from 20 years to 30 years.

Mayor Franklin, elated by the news, extended her gratitude to the Governor and his staff for their hard work on developing a plan to assist the city. "In addition to lending his support and credibility to our plan, the Governor’s assistance in Washington will also be vital as we move forward in attempting to secure federal funding for our repairs."

The Governor’s announcement was followed by a news conference held by State Sen. Eric Johnson of Savannah who says he will amend current legislation to allow the city to hold a referendum on a one-cent Municipal Local Option Sales Tax (MOST) that could generate upwards of $70 million per year over a five-year period. This tax would be levied solely within the City of Atlanta, and the revenue would partially offset proposed water and sewer rate increases.

Mayor Franklin also expressed gratitude to Senator Johnson, saying "Providing the residents of Atlanta with a choice about how to fund these repairs is crucial, and this sales tax, if approved by the voters, will significantly reduce the need for rate increases in 2005 and future years."

The City of Atlanta’s Chief Financial Officer Rick Anderson added, "The MOST provides a funding alternative from the system ratepayers bearing the full brunt of the funding requirements and broadens the base of funding of operations and improvements of the Atlanta water and sewer system."

Atlanta City Council President Cathy Woolard said, "I am even more confident we will be able to roll back the rate increases in 2005 and beyond due to the magnitude of the announcements by the Governor and the Majority Leader."

The Atlanta City Council is expected to once again consider rate increase legislation at its first meeting on Monday, January 5, 2004.

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