Governor, Lt. Governor, Speaker Announce Appointments to Regional Water Councils
Councils were created with passage of Statewide Water Management Plan
Governor Sonny Perdue, Lt. Governor Casey Cagle and Speaker of the House Glenn Richardson announced today their selections for members of Georgia's regional water
planning councils, which will have a key role in the statewide water planning process.
"The individuals we have selected are solution-oriented and will provide visionary water resource planning," said Governor Perdue. "These appointments reflect a diverse group of Georgians and each one has a unique skill set and knowledge base, which will allow the councils to focus on water resource issues while also addressing the state's economic needs."
Tony Bass, an appointee, landscape industry veteran and business owner in Fort Valley, Georgia had this to say about this recent appointment. "I look forward to contributing to the efforts of wise water management across our state and region. I promise to keep my community and industry informed on our efforts."
The Comprehensive Statewide Water Management Plan, approved by the General Assembly in 2008, created ten water planning regions. Each of these regions will have a water planning council to represent the water interests unique to their respective regions.
"Water will remain a key issue for our state and I am very pleased with the group of individuals selected to move forward with a responsible, long-term plan," said Lt. Governor Cagle. "This list includes well-rounded men and women who expand across industries and regions. It was an honor to work so closely with Governor Perdue and Speaker Richardson on these nominations and the Comprehensive Statewide Water Management Plan."
Each council consists of 25 members, three alternates and an ex-officio member from both the House and Senate. The councils include representatives from agriculture, forestry, industry, commerce, local governments, water utilities, regional development centers, tourism, recreation and environmental groups.
"The appointments named today represent Georgians with the right experience and background to serve their region's water needs," said Speaker Richardson. "Their service will ensure our water resources are used prudently as we continue to implement water planning and conservation strategies."
The councils will oversee preparation of regional water development and conservation plans for their planning regions. These plans will focus on both water quantity and water quality issues, and will include forecasts of future water supply and wastewater treatment needs.
Under requirements of the plan, the Governor selects 13 members of each council. In addition, the Governor selects one alternate member who will attend all meetings and vote if needed to establish a quorum. The Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives select the remaining council members including non-voting ex officio members from the Senate and the House.
GGIA would like to Congratulate the GGIA Members that were selected for this Council.
AltamahaName City County
Phillip Jennings * Soperton Treutlen
Coosa-North Georgia
Name City County
Sherry Loudermilk * Epworth Fannin
Lower Flint
Name City County
Jerry Lee * Cairo Grady
Middle Chattahoochee
Name City County
Paul Chappell * Pine Mountain Harris
Aaron McWhorter * Whitesburg Carroll
Middle Ocmulgee
Name City County
Tony Bass * Fort Valley Peach
Savannah-Upper Ogeechee
Name City County
Chris McCorkle * Warrenton Warren
Upper Oconee
Name City County
Bill Ross * Statham Barrow
Alternate Stuart Cofer * Watkinsville Oconee
For more information about this Council and to see all the members
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