Atlanta water crisis: City councilmember proposes relief fund for businesses, workers

ATLANTA — Starting on Tuesday, city leaders will discuss a proposal for businesses that were impacted by the recent Atlanta water crisis. The city could spend millions to help the businesses and their workers.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Atlanta City Councilmember Matt Westmoreland introduced the ordinance, co-sponsored by all members of the council, that will go before two committees on Tuesday and Wednesday.

“Part of the conversation in committee is how can we get these dollars out the door as quickly as possible,” Westmoreland told Channel 2 Action News.

The Atlanta Watershed Department responded to multiple water main breaks across the city earlier this month. The largest two breaks occurred at Joseph E. Boone Blvd. and James P. Brawley Dr. and W. Peachtree St. and 11th St.

The breaks impacted dozens of businesses that either didn’t have water or were under a boil water advisory for days.

It’s not just businesses immediately around the two major breaks off in midtown and northwest Atlanta, but all over the city.

Westmoreland says depending on how many businesses reach out or are identified, the funding may climb above $5 million.

We’re going over the proposal and how quickly councilmembers want to move the process, LIVE on Channel 2 Action News This Morning from 4:30 a.m. to 7 a.m.

RELATED STORIES:

• Watershed management commissioner says city is taking steps to prevent another water crisis
• Businesses reopen after water crisis in Midtown Atlanta, some surprised to be back at work so soon
• ‘Where is the money?’ People lash out at City Council over water crisis, failing infrastructure

U.S. Army Corp of Engineers talks about what it will take to update city’s water infrastructure Any major overhaul of old pipes and pumps will come with a hefty price tag.

©2024 Cox Media Group