After nearly two years of discussions, the city of Fairburn Monday approved a contract to provide Tyrone sewer capacity.

"This is a significant step," said Fairburn City Administrator Tony Cox.

Under the agreement, Fairburn will provide Tyrone wastewater treatment capacity through Fulton County until its new wastewater treatment plant is built.

The contract stipulates that Tyrone can purchase 250,000 gallons of daily capacity until the plant is built.

Tyrone will pay Fairburn the wholesale rate that Fairburn pays Fulton County, plus a 15 percent premium charge.

Fairburn will supply Fulton County a $4 million performance bond to compensate the county in case Fairburn does not build its own treatment facility. Tyrone will split the cost of the bond.

After Fairburn builds its plant, Tyrone will pay the city on a monthly basis, based on Fairburn's operation and maintenance municipal rate.

Fairburn is building the plant to provide sewerage to residents and businesses to the east of U.S. Highway 29 to the the Tyrone town limits.

In order to induce Fairburn to build the plant, Tyrone agrees to pay the city for $570,000 within 30 days of completion of the contract.

Tyrone will receive a cedit that will be pro-rated over the 30 years of the contract.

Tyrone will be responsible for the installation of all gravity or pressure sewer lines installed in unincorporated Fayette County, Fulton County, Fairburn or Tyrone that is necessary to complete the agreement.

Tyrone will be solely responsible for the maintenance and operation of the sewer collection system.

If Fairburn decides to expand its wastewater treament plant, it will notify Tyrone and Tyrone will have the option of purchasing more capacity.

The contract now moves to the Tyrone Town Council for its consideration.