Pembroke is one of the communities which will benefit from federal economic stimulus grants aimed at upgrading water and sewer systems, Gov. Brian Kemp announced Wednesday.

The city will get $8.86 million in funding to improve and expand its wastewater treatment plant.

For Pembroke Mayor Judy Cook, the news was more than welcome.

“It couldn’t have come at a better time,” Cook said. “We really needed it, especially with the Mega Site coming. We’re growing as a city and we expect to grow more in the future. We really want to thank Gov. Kemp and the committee for choosing us.”

Kemp appointed a committee of 13 state lawmakers and state environmental agency officials to review applications from cities and counties to choose which would receive grants.

Pembroke has a 2021 population of 2,516 but is projected to have approximately 3,561 residents by 2040 – though Cook said that population could happen sooner rather than later with the state-owned Bryan County Mega Site in nearby Black Creek being marketed to manufacturers.

The new system will cost more than $10.1 million in all, according to the city’s application.

Pembroke will pay the remainder, and according to its application has already invested more than $1 million this year on improvements to the city’s aging wastewater infrastructure, which has had issues with spills and permit violations over the years – particularly during periods of rain.

Once completed, the new wastewater treatment will be able to treat up to .75 million gallons per day of wastewater.

It was unclear Wednesday what the timeline for the project will be.

Gov. Brian Kemp appointed a committee of 13 Georgia lawmakers and state environmental agency officials to review applications submitted by local communities and choose which would receive grants.

“Because we remained focused on protecting lives and livelihoods throughout the pandemic, Georgia is now in a position to make strategic, transformational investments in our state’s water and sewer infrastructure,” Kemp said.

“I am proud to know that we have worked hard to prioritize projects which address pressing public health and environmental issues, support economic development, and enhance our ability to be good stewards of our water resources for generations to come.”

The Water and Infrastructure Committee included Mark Williams, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, and Rick Dunn, director of the state Environmental Protection Division.

The state awarded more than $400 million in federal stimulus grants three weeks ago for broadband projects.

Dave Williams from Capitol Beat contributed to this story.