Infrastructure

During the months of March and April, flooding becomes a major concern for some residents in our district. Since taking office in 2021, residents have shared with me the damage heavy rains and storms have caused to their properties, surrounding creeks, and neighborhood streets. Unfortunately, DeKalb County’s water and sewer infrastructure dates back to the 1960s and has outlived its useful life span.

As the County continues to replace public water and sewer pipes as mandated by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) Consent Decree, it does not address the damage of private homeowners and other property owners who are often left with thousands of dollars of repairs and foundation issues. When the County replaces or repairs faulty sewer or water pipes, it is only responsible for the public section of the pipes. As the laws are currently written, the section of pipes that extends from a public line to a building is considered private, and therefore, repair and maintenance of sewer and other underground infrastructure are the responsibility of the private property owner.

This poses challenges that may be beyond some resident’s financial capabilities and leaves many families in distress. One solution that I have vetted with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Governor Kemp’s policy team is how to establish a Private Infrastructure Revolving Loan Fund—something similar to the Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund–for individual private property owners and homeowner associations. This concept would allow homeowners to cover private infrastructure costs that aren’t always covered by insurance with low interest rate loans.

While the concept seems promising, there are a few state law challenges that must be overcome, such as the Gratuities Clause which prohibits public agencies from granting any donation or gratuity in favor of any person, corporation, or association. I have also met with Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) to discuss flooding solutions for our residents who live in floodplains.

As taxpayers of DeKalb, I understand how frustrating and worrisome these situations can become. My team and I will continue to pursue this and other solutions for relief for private property owners.

Flooding and Private Property

flooding

April 1, 2024

During the months of March and April, flooding becomes a major concern for some residents in our district. Since taking office in 2021, residents have shared with me the damage heavy rains and storms have caused to their properties, surrounding creeks, and neighborhood streets. Unfortunately, DeKalb County’s water and sewer infrastructure dates back to the 1960s and has outlived its useful life span.

As the County continues to replace public water and sewer pipes as mandated by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) Consent Decree, it does not address the damage of private homeowners and other property owners who are often left with thousands of dollars of repairs and foundation issues. When the County replaces or repairs faulty sewer or water pipes, it is only responsible for the public section of the pipes. As the laws are currently written, the section of pipes that extends from a public line to a building is considered private, and therefore, repair and maintenance of sewer and other underground infrastructure are the responsibility of the private property owner.

This poses challenges that may be beyond some resident’s financial capabilities and leaves many families in distress. One solution that I have vetted with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Governor Kemp’s policy team is how to establish a Private Infrastructure Revolving Loan Fund—something similar to the Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund--for individual private property owners and homeowner associations. This concept would allow homeowners to cover private infrastructure costs that aren’t always covered by insurance with low interest rate loans.

While the concept seems promising, there are a few state law challenges that must be overcome, such as the Gratuities Clause which prohibits public agencies from granting any donation or gratuity in favor of any person, corporation, or association. I have also met with Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) to discuss flooding solutions for our residents who live in floodplains.

As taxpayers of DeKalb, I understand how frustrating and worrisome these situations can become. My team and I will continue to pursue this and other solutions for relief for private property owners.

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