October 15, 2025
Meeting Summary: September 24 Joint Meeting of the Lower Flint-Ochlocknee, Suwannee-Satilla, and Altamaha Councils - Cloned
Meeting Summary Draft Pending Council Approval
Altamaha, Lower Flint-Ochlockonee, Suwannee-Satilla Joint Council Meeting ABAC’s Georgia Museum of Agriculture
Tifton, GA September 24, 2025
Welcome & Introductions
Kristin Rowles, with the Georgia Water Planning and Policy Center (GWPPC) started the meeting at 10:00 a.m. Ms. Rowles overviewed the objectives and agenda for the meeting and opened the floor for the three council chairmen to introduce themselves and make opening comments. Altamaha Council Chair Ed Jeffords, Lower Flint Ochlocknee Chair Murray Campbell, and Suwannee-Satilla Chair Scott Downing remarked on the importance of inter-council communications and expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to meet together. Council members and GWPPC and GAEPD staff were introduced.
Meeting Overview
Ms. Rowles reviewed the day’s agenda. Next, she provided an overview of the steps in the regional water plan development, and she provided a preliminary schedule for the next planning cycle, which is scheduled to end with submittal of plans to GAEPD in June 2028.
Cross-Council Discussion
Council members had small group discussions with members from the other councils. The groups briefly remarked on their discussions noting:
- These three councils share the Floridan Aquifer.
- The Altamaha Council is very interested in changes occurring in the Coastal region.
- Education and outreach are important to support the work of the councils.
Updates from GAEPD
Russell Nix (GAEPD) said that the funding cycle for the Regional Water Planning Seed Grant Program is currently open with an application deadline of October 31, 2025. Nix also presented a new funding opportunity in which Google is offering grants for water conservation, efficiency, and quality projects. Next, Veronica Craw (GAEPD) explained recent staff changes at GAEPD. She noted that some councils will have a new GAEPD liaison. Ms. Craw next explained that the State Water Council will meet on September 29, 2025. Focus groups will be held in the next month or so for regional water council members to offer input to the State Water Council as it considers changes in the State Water Plan. Ms. Craw said that the State Water Council will be discussing Section 14 of the State Water Plan, which addresses regional water council appointments and membership.
Discussion:
- Council members asked: What is the purpose of the State Water Council? Who is on the State Water Council?
Ms. Craw noted that the State Water Council has not met since 2008, when they developed the current State Water Plan. Mark Masters (GWPPC) shared a list of the members of the State Water Council.
2025 Population Projections
Kristin Rowles (GWPPC) reviewed how the councils use population projections in water and wastewater forecasts. Then, she introduced Taylor Hafley from the Carl Vinson Institute of Government (CVIOG) to describe the development of population projections and present projections for 2025. Ms. Rowles noted that the 2025 projections were for discussion purposes; the 2026 projections will be used in the next cycle of water planning.
Dr. Hafley described recent population trends in Georgia and described the methods for development of the population projections. He presented region specific projections and distributed handouts to the Council members with county level projections for their water planning regions. Dr. Hafley’s slides are available on the Council website.
Next, Ms. Rowles asked the council members to break into small groups for discussion of the 2025 population projections. The following is a summary of the discussion themes in those groups:
- Many council membersfrom the Altamaha, Lower-Flint Ochlocknee, and Suwannee-Satilla Councils, agreed that the county projections generally aligned with their expectations.
- Members noted that information on building permits and housing development would be useful to include in forecasts along with the population projects in areas where there is development but a projected decline in population. Members discussed population changes that occur when industrials enter or leave a region.
- Members shared concerns about the impacts of urban development across the regions. Some commented that wastewater spray field capacity and reliance on septic systems were concerns as population increases.
- Members pointed out that much of the projected growth in the state is where there are fewer water resources and questioned whether there would be an effort by the state to move water from their regions to support demand via interbasin transfers.
Members discussed the challenges in maintaining or upgrading water and wastewater infrastructure with declining populations.
Lower Flint Region Habitat Conservation Plan
Lower Flint-Ochlockonee Chair Murray Campbell provided a brief history of the role of the LFO council in helping to create and guide the development of the Georgia Flow Incentive Trust (GA-FIT) programs in the Southwest Georgia including Drought SWAP (alternative deep aquifer wells for drought periods) and the Lower Flint Region Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), which seeks to protect rare aquatic species while also providing for agricultural water security in the region. Mark Masters said that the HCP will be submitted to the USFWS in the coming weeks.
Data Center Development in Georgia
Celine Benoit from the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District (Metro Water District) gave a presentation on the growth of data centers in Georgia. She emphasized the expansion of hyperscaler data centers and the emergence of data center facilities that support computational demand for artificial intelligence (AI). With the Atlanta region having the 2nd most data center construction capacity in North America, Ms. Benoit stresses the energy and water demands that are required for these facilities. She discussed the cost and benefits of having a data center in your community and provided examples of how local governments are invoking actions such as moratoriums, ordinances, and zoning rules regarding data center activity.
Discussion:
- Council members asked: Knowing water is a scarce resource, why are data centers still attempting to come to the Metro area? What is the incentive for data centers to come to Georgia?
The Metro region’s existing fiber connections are desirable. Georgia currently has in place statewide incentive tax for data centers, as well as low power and water rates, and available undeveloped land for good potential sites.
- Council members ask: Is the Metro water council taking a position that they would prefer to have closed-loop cooling? Would requesting data centers to use a closed-loop cooling system be a deal breaker for development?
We think that closed-loop systems are better stewardship. We provide comments to applicant data centers. Some, if not most, will consider using a closed-loop system upon request.
GEFA Funding for Water Projects
The council members heard an update from Andrew Briscoe with the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) regarding available funding for water projects. Briscoe outlined the 2025 state budget and eligibility requirements for the different core financing programs: Georgia Fund, Clean Water State Revolving Fund, and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. Also in his presentation, Briscoe highlighted Emerging Contaminants (PFAS) funding programs, lead service line funding, and the Hurricane Helene Resilience Funding (HRF) allocated for the State of Georgia.
Public Comment
No public comment.
Adjourn to Individual Council Breakout Meetings
The three council chairs made closing remarks and expressed appreciation for a constructive meeting. Kristin Rowles thanked the council members and other attendees for participating in the meeting. She prompted the council chairs to gather their members for a brief breakout meetings by the individual councils. Summaries of the breakout council meetings are attached.
Council Member Attendance
Ed Jeffords (Chair – Altamaha)
Paul Stavriotis (Vice Chair – Altamaha)
Cleve Edenfield (Altamaha)
Billy Yeomans (Altamaha)
Rahn Milligan (Altamaha)
*Joshua Dawson (Altamaha Gov. appointee)
Daniel Carter (Altamaha nominee)
Murray Campbell (Chair - Lower Flint-Ochlockonee)
*Connie Hobbs (Vice Chair - Lower Flint-Ochlockonee)
Richard Royal (Lower Flint-Ochlockonee)
Calvin Perry (Lower Flint-Ochlockonee)
Steve Bailey (Lower Flint-Ochlockonee)
Marc DeMott (Lower Flint-Ochlockonee Gov. appointee)
Cecil Barber (Lower Flint-Ochlockonee Gov. appointee)
Don Porter (Lower Flint-Ochlockonee nominee)
Scott Downing (Chair – Suwannee-Satilla)
Grady Thompson (Suwannee-Satilla)
John McCall (Suwannee-Satilla Gov. appointee)
Jeffrey Hull (Suwannee-Satilla Gov. appointee)
Clark Coarsey (Suwannee-Satilla Gov. appointee)
Jake Ford (Suwannee-Satilla Gov. appointee)
Ronnie Gaskins (Suwannee-Satilla Gov. appointee)
Clay Pirkle (Suwannee-Satilla Gov. appointee)
Brent James (Suwannee-Satilla nominee
Other Attendees
Taylor Hafley (CVIOG) Celine Benoit (MNGWPD)
Andrew Briscoe (GEFA) Tony Purcell (Xylem/Flygt)
Bert Earley (Georgia Forestry Commission)
Steve Walker (Georgia Rural Water)
Phillip Edwards (UGA Southwest Extension)
Savannah Beasley (UGA)
Chase McClure (GA Farm Bureau) Sean King (Suwannee River Water Management District)
Aaron Hrozencik (UGA) Monte Powell (Ryam -Jesup)
*Gary Hawkins (UGA)
Council Support
Kristin Rowles (GWPPC)
Mark Masters (GWPPC)
Sarah Skinner (GWPPC)
Laura Rack (GWPPC)
Megan Stanley (GWPPC)
Steve Golladay (GWPPC)
Russell Nix (GAEPD)
Veronica Craw (GAEPD)
Timothy Fields (GAEPD)
Parris Maguire (GAEPD)
*Attended online via Teams
Attachments: Breakout Council meeting summaries for the Altamaha, Lower Flint-Ochlockonee, and Suwannee-Satilla Councils
Meeting Summary Altamaha Breakout Council Meeting
Joint Council Meeting: Altamaha, Lower Flint-Ochlocknee, and Suwannee-Satilla Tifton, GA
September 24, 2025
Approval of Minutes
Council Chair Ed Jeffords asked for a motion to approve the meeting minutes from June 24th, 2025. Minutes were approved by motion, second, and unanimous vote.
Implementation Assessment
Handouts of preliminary implementation assessment materials were distributed to Council members. Laura Rack, Georgia Water Planning and Policy Center, walked Council members through the objectives of the assessment and the sources of information to date. Then Council members were asked about the successes and barriers to implementation of their regional water plan and priorities for the next planning cycle.
Discussion Summary:
Education and awareness were identified by Council members as a barrier to implementation. In general, there have not been any burning issues or crisis for the Council to address but feel they can address problems if they arise.
The council raised the issue of aging infrastructure and insufficient funds for upgrades in the region. In addition, there are issues with replacing galvanized and lead pipes. Council members felt this could be supported through outreach to cities and local governments to connect them to State funding sources for water infrastructure.
Over half the communities are unincorporated and are on septic and well water. The council noted the issue of septage disposal, because there are limited sources that take the waste.
To support growth for the region, the issues raised above are important to address, so growth doesn’t overwhelm infrastructure.
Council members supported the idea of submitting a Seed Grant for FY26 to educate communities on State funding for water infrastructure and to also talk with cities about becoming a WaterFirst community, which would provide rate reductions for GEFA funding.
Adjourn
Chairman Jeffords thanked everyone for their attendance and participation and adjourned the meeting.
Council Members Attendees
Ed Jeffords (Chair)
Paul Stavriotis (Vice Chair) Cleve Edenfield
Rahn Milligan Billy Yeomans
Meeting Summary
Lower Flint-Ochlockonee Breakout Council Meeting ABAC’s Georgia Museum of Agriculture
Tifton, GA September 24, 2025
Seed Grant Proposals
Kristin Rowles (GWPPC) said that there were no seed grant proposals from this region to review at this time. If any are submitted, Ms. Rowles will coordinate with Chair Murray Campbell on his review and preparation of a letter.
Review of Implementation Assessment
Handouts of preliminary implementation assessment materials were distributed to Council members. Kristin Rowles, Georgia Water Planning and Policy Center, walked Council members through the objectives of the assessment and the sources of information to date. Then Council members were asked about successes and barriers to implementation of their regional water plan and priorities for the next planning cycle. The following were the themes of the discussion:
- Paper mills are shutting down, and land owned by these companies might become available for use for water storage.
- Many streams in our region are still affected by silt and trash from recent hurricanes/storms.
- The effects of paper mills closures and other market shifts on the timber industry were discussed. Members expressed concern that the impacts will be adverse for the regional economy.
These discussion points were noted as areas for further discussion in the next planning cycle.
Altamaha, Lower Flint-Ochlockonee, Suwannee-Satilla Joint Council Meeting
September 24, 2025 Meeting Summary
Council Member Attendance
Murray Campbell (Chair - Lower Flint-Ochlockonee)
Richard Royal (Lower Flint-Ochlockonee)
Calvin Perry (Lower Flint-Ochlockonee)
Steve Bailey (Lower Flint-Ochlockonee)
Marc DeMott (Lower Flint-Ochlockonee Gov. appointee)
Cecil Barber (Lower Flint-Ochlockonee Gov. appointee)
Don Porter (Lower Flint-Ochlockonee nominee)
Council Support
Kristin Rowles (GWPPC) Megan Stanley (GWPPC)
Meeting Summary
Suwannee-Satilla Council Breakout Meeting ABAC’s Georgia Museum of Agriculture Tifton, GA
September 24, 2025
Seed Grant Proposals
Mark Masters (GWPPC) reported that there were no seed grant proposals from this region to review at this time. If any are submitted, Mark will coordinate with Council Chair Scott Downing on his review and preparation of a support letter. Chairman Downing provided the group additional background on the process of obtaining the Council’s support for seed grants in the region.
Review of Implementation Assessment
Handouts of preliminary implementation assessment materials were distributed to Council members. Mark Masters walked Council members through the objectives of the assessment and the sources of information to date. Then Council members were asked about successes and barriers to implementation of their regional water plan and priorities for the next planning cycle. The following were the themes of the discussion:
- Funding through Community Development Block Grants related to water along with USDA Rural Development (Household Water Wells) would be good additions to the implementation report.
- The impact of Hurricane Helene debris on streamflow and water loss audits for municipalities would be good topics for future Council meetings.
- Members briefly discussed water quality requirements downstream in the State of Florida and questioned how those might impact management plans in Georgia.
Other Discussion and Closing Comments
Sean King (Suwannee River Water Management District – Florida) introduced himself to the Council members and provided a brief update on work in the District. Chairman Downing noted the long-standing partnership with the SRWMD and thanked them for their participation over the years.
Following a motion and second, the summary of the August 7, 2025 Suwannee-Satilla Regional Water Council meeting was approved by consensus. The summary will be posted to the Council webpage in the coming days. There was no further business and the meeting adjourned.
Council Member Attendance
Scott Downing (Chair – Suwannee-Satilla) Grady
Thompson (Vice-Chair Suwannee-Satilla)
John McCall (Suwannee-Satilla)
Clark Coarsey (Suwannee-Satilla Gov. appointee)
Jake Ford (Suwannee-Satilla Gov. appointee)
Ronnie Gaskins (Suwannee-Satilla Gov. appointee)
Jeff Hull (Suwannee-Satilla Gov. appointee)
Brent James (Suwannee-Satilla Gov. appointee)
Clay Pirkle (Suwannee-Satilla Gov. appointee)
Billy Yeomans (Suwannee-Satilla Gov. appointee)
Council Support
Mark Masters (GWPPC)
Guests
Sean King (SRWMD - Florida)