Lula officials are moving forward with plans to secure a $1.4 million loan from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority to help cover the upfront costs of developing and expanding sewer lines in the northeast Hall County community.

The pursuit of a low-interest loan, which City Manager Dennis Bergin said Lula has received tentative approval on from GEFA, would help service commercial and residential growth on the west side of Ga. 365, as well as the Belton Bridge Road corridor.

City officials said the application process will continue with engineering cost estimates and other project details, which must be submitted by June in order to receive approval by August.

Officials had also considered using cash reserves of up to $700,000 to pay for the project, which they believe will help drive growth and development.