Georgia senator wants to put $10M toward water infrastructure in Columbus and beyond
New legislation introduced by Sen. Jon Ossoff prioritizes improving water infrastructure in Columbus and other Georgia counties after a significant water main break left people with poor water pressure or discolored water.
Ossoff introduced the Georgia Stormwater Management Act on Monday that would authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to carry out water infrastructure projects in the Columbus area.
If passed, the act would provide $10 million for environmental infrastructure, including water and wastewater infrastructure, in Columbus along with Henry and Clayton counties.
Because this legislation is focused on authorizing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, there are no details yet on where and how the money will be used.
“I’ve heard consistently from local leaders about concerns with aging water infrastructure,” Ossoff said in a news release. “Which is why I’m introducing this new bill that would authorize the U.S. Army Corps to work on vital water infrastructure projects across Columbus.”
This news comes just months after a leak on a 30-inch water line in March near Macon Road and Pope Road left Columbus Water Works customers with issues.
This is the second time in the past month Ossoff has announced efforts to send money for infrastructure to Muscogee County.
Last month, Ossoff and Sen. Raphael Warnock announced Columbus Consolidated Government would receive $1 million through the bipartisan infrastructure law to help with the cleanup of hazardous materials in Columbus.
Water infrastructure in Georgia has been in the national spotlight this month as Atlanta residents have dealt with a water crisis that’s left sections of the city without clean water.
