Ga. Code § 12-5-480
The division shall be authorized to utilize the financial advisory and construction related services of the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission with respect to the acquisition, design, planning, and construction of any of the projects. Code Section 50-22-9 shall be applicable to the selection of persons to provide professional services for any project or any portion thereof authorized by this article until such time as the director, with the approval of the authority and consistent with any state-wide water plan provided pursuant to Article 8 of this chapter, certifies that this state and its local governments have constructed or otherwise acquired sufficient reservoir capacity to meet current and reasonably projected future needs, taking into account projected population growth and historical and anticipated cycles or incidents of drought, whereupon the whole of Chapter 22 of Title 50 shall be applicable.
OCGA § 12-5-480