GAINESVILLE - The Hall County Board of Commissioners voted Thursday night to negotiate specifics of a contract with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that county officials say will save taxpayers millions and allow for timely permitting of Glades Reservoir.
The Corps determined in July that Glades Reservoir would need additional environmental assessment prior to permitting, which would add another $2-3 million and several years to the permitting process. Georgia Environmental Protection Division Director Allen Barnes was able to reach a solution with the Corps that allows additional environmental assessment and Corps oversight of the Glades project, but at a smaller cost and timeframe.
As a result, Hall County will pay up to $600,000 over 24 months to fund at least one Corps representative who will work solely on the Glades project. County officials say specifics of the contract will be finalized this month.
"I would like to thank Director Barnes for his help in this process," District 3 Commissioner Scott Gibbs said. "This reservoir is critical to our children and the economic development of this county. It is important that Hall County and the Corps work together to secure drinking water for our future."
In June 2011, the County submitted an amended application to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a permit to build Glades Reservoir under Section 404 of the U.S. Clean Water Act. The 850-acre reservoir in North Hall is planned to yield up to 80 million gallons per day of drinking water, enough to supply the county's growing population until 2060.
The County anticipates receipt of a permit in 18-24 months, at which time the design will be finalized and construction begun. The total cost is expected to be $138 million.
Thursday
July 3rd, 2025
6:48PM
