County planning department staffers confirm for GlobeSt.com thenegotiations on price were intense. The $800,000 tag equates to$16,000 per acre or about 37 cents per sf. The land lies alongNoonday Creek and is part of the golf course.

County officials tell GlobeSt.com the county has been buyingland along Noonday Creek for the past seven years to comply with adeal it made with the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.The county is expanding its Noonday Creek wastewater treatmentplant and has to acquire two thirds, or 500 acres, of the 750 acresof flood plain along the creek, county staffers tell GlobeSt.com.The county's newest deal with Ryland brings its flood plainholdings to 450 acres or 50 acres short of its goal.

Three fourths of the $800,000 purchase price is being funded bya $600,000 state grant. The Cobb Water System is contributing theremaining $200,000.