ATLANTA,None — DeKalb County is rolling out a major renovation of the county’s aging water and sewer system, and county leaders say it will create up to 4,000 new jobs.
County officials provided details of the $1.3 billion dollar project on Thursday. The upgrade, which will take eight years to complete, is funded by bonds and water rate hikes.
DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis described the project as a stimulus program.
"The bottom line is we know America needs to get back to work, and we need to start right here at home," Ellis said.
The EPA mandated DeKalb improve its' water and sewage system after more than 800 raw sewage spills in the past five years.
A University of Georgia study showed the renovation would create 3,670 direct jobs and 709 indirect jobs. Up to an additional 277 jobs would be created, such as grocers and retailers, because of the economic activity.
Ellis said the jobs, including engineering, architecture, construction and maintenance jobs would be aimed at local residents.
Groundbreaking on the project is expected early next year. The National Urban League is a partner in the project.
WSBTV
