They found out last week the state has turned down their applications for grants to increase water supplies.
The state can't affort the $40 million that Gov. Sonny Perdue and the Legislature promised this year as a hedge against the drought. State leaders approved more than $21 billion in spending in April but are now seeking to cut at least $1.6 billion as revenues continue to drop.
Included are $5.4 million for Dahlonega, $2.7 million for Lawrenceville, $2.1 million for Cumming and $1.9 million for Banks County.
In addition, Braselton had been counting on $608,000 and Mount Airy, $8,000.
Here's a breakdown on how each was planning to use the state money:
*Dahlonega - for help in building a water treatment plant
*Lawrenceville - for help in building a water treatment plant and pipes for 15 wells
*Cumming - for help in building a third intake pipe in Lake Lanier
*Banks County - for drilling a well and construction of supporting infrastructure
*Braselton - to help build wells and a water storage tank
*Mount Airy - for help in redrilling a well
http://accesswdun.com/article/2008/8/212666