DeKalb GA News

DeKalb County has embarked on a historic infrastructure initiative with the approval of a $4.27 billion investment plan by the Board of Commissioners. CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, who secured this approval within 60 days of her administration, stated that the investment is essential to improving water and sewer services.

The plan involves a "10 x 10" approach, with a 10% annual increase in water and sewer rates over ten years. This strategy aims to address decades of underfunding, bolster economic development, and improve the county's water distribution infrastructure performance from an "F" to a "C".

“The future of DeKalb County depends on adequate infrastructure investments," said CEO Cochran-Johnson. "No one likes rate increases, but the cost of inaction is far greater."

The funding will focus on upgrading DeKalb's sole water source and treatment plant, enhancing economic development through improved infrastructure capacity, preventing system failures due to aging infrastructure, and meeting compliance standards set by the Modified Consent Decree (MCD).

Reggie Wells has been appointed as Director of Watershed Management to oversee these efforts. Wells brings experience from his previous role in managing Atlanta's Consent Decree under Mayor Shirley Franklin and his tenure as Assistant Commissioner of Atlanta’s Department of Watershed Management.

"We cannot afford to kick the can down the road any longer," added CEO Cochran-Johnson. "This is our moment to secure a better future for DeKalb County."