Altamaha Regional Highlights

The Altamaha River, formed by the confluence of the Ocmulgee and Oconee Rivers, is the major surface water feature in the region. The Altamaha Region encompasses several major population centers including Vidalia, Jesup, Swainsboro, Eastman, and Glennville. The Altamaha Regional Water Planning Council meets regularly between plan updates to discuss ongoing implementation of the plan, outreach to interested stakeholders, and hear the latest on water issues affecting the Region. Below is a summary of ongoing activities.

Regional Water Plan Seed Grants

Regional Water Plan Seed Grants provide competitive funding annually to support and incentivize local governments and other water users as they undertake implementation of the Regional Water Plan. The Grants require cash and in-kind match, and have a maximum project amount. Additional information about Seed Grants may be found at EPD’s website: SEED GRANTS

During the 2018 seed grant cycle, the University of Georgia College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences (UGA CAES) was awarded a seed grant to integrate cooperative extension county agents in the promotion and implementation of multiple agricultural management practices within the Altamaha, Coastal Georgia, and Suwannee-Satilla Water Planning Regions. Updates on the seed grant work can be found at: UPDATES

Outreach Activities

Members of the Regional Council participate in outreach activities to increase knowledge and understanding of the Regional Plan. Outreach activities in the Altamaha Region have focused on agricultural groups. An outreach meeting was held in March 2019 for the Georgia Young Farmers Association. The council also gave a presentation to the Wayne Leadership group in May 2018.

Regional Newsletter

EPD collaborated with the planning contractors and Council Chairs to create a newsletter to keep Council Members updated on the work that has been completed to date and what is still to come for the 2020-2022 Regional Water Plan Update. Topics covered include updates from EPD, planning process and resource assessment overviews, forecasting results, and funding updates. Newsletter editions are anticipated to be released on a quarterly basis or after Council Meetings, as appropriate. The released newsletters can be found below and are sorted by date.