O.C.G.A. § 22-2-81: Effect of appeal on condemnor’s right to use condemned property or interest; payment, tender, or deposit of award as condition on condemnor’s right to use property or interest.

The entering of an appeal and the proceedings thereon shall not hinder or delay in any way the condemnor’s right to use the condemned property or interest, provided that the condemnor pays or tenders to the owner the amount of the award and, in case of the refusal of the owner to accept the award, deposits the amount awarded with the clerk of the superior court for the benefit of the owner.