A sinkhole near Ga. 400 that nearly doubled in size after last week's torrential rain showers has led to the county declaring a need for local emergency.

The declaration allows the county to fast-track the bidding process by recognizing the repairs of sinkhole on North Georgia Avenue, a private road that runs south from Industrial Park Road to North Georgia Premium Outlets, as an emergency.

County Attorney Joey Homans said delaying the repair to the sinkhole could lead to additional issues.

"It has the potential to drag utility lines into the ground if not repaired quickly," he said. "We need to go repair the sinkhole and we just don't have the time to do the normal bid."

County officials are working with the property owner and Etowah Water and Sewer Authority on the project and to determine which party will be responsible for the repairs.

"We are continuing to review other property owners who may have some responsibility for helping pay the cost. We'll also be contacting the various insurances that are available to us to help recoup any part of that cost that we can," Homan said.

The more pressing issue, he added is to stabilize the area, "so we don't wind up with damage to private property or somebody getting hurt as a result of the washes."