Gov. Perdue Announces 2009 DNR Forestry for Wildlife Partners

Gov. Sonny Perdue recognized two corporate forest landowners in Georgia for their stewardship in land management and practices benefiting the state’s wildlife.

Plum Creek and Georgia Power were honored Wednesday, Feb. 3, for participating in the 2009 Forestry for Wildlife Partnership, a program administered by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. The Forestry for Wildlife Partnership is a voluntary annual program that promotes blending wildlife conservation into corporate forestry practices and offers choices from which landowners can build a program compatible with their forest management objectives.

“Stewardship of Georgia's natural resources is vitally important to our state's future,” Perdue said. “Georgia Power and Plum Creek serve as model corporate citizens with their participation in the Forestry for Wildlife Partnership.”

The companies have helped improve a total of 937,700 acres for wildlife. The Wildlife Resources Division recognized the two as Forestry for Wildlife Partners for integrating wildlife conservation practices into their forest management programs. Some of the practices included:

Preparing wildlife conservation plans that detail natural resources inventories and outline management strategies that combine forest and wildlife aspects.
Providing internal training opportunities for employees on how to blend forestland management with wildlife-friendly practices for multiple natural resource benefits.
Incorporating wildlife management techniques into current land-use planning and timber management practices.
Providing valuable data for Wildlife Resources research projects.
Providing public recreational opportunities on corporate forestlands.
Participating in partnerships with conservation organizations through programs such as Partners in Flight, the Longleaf Alliance, the state Breeding Bird Atlas, and the Georgia Amphibians and Reptiles Atlas.
Managing riparian forests for wildlife use and water quality protection.

Habitat is the key to wildlife abundance. Georgia has more than 24 million acres of forestland. Of that land base, 93 percent is privately owned. Corporate forest landowners manage 18 percent.

Georgia Power helped develop the Forestry for Wildlife Partnership in the 1990s and Plum Creek joined in 2004. Wildlife Resources Division Director Dan Forster said the program has proved “a catalyst that served to engage the wildlife community with the forestry industry in Georgia,” registering positive impacts on varied initiatives such as Georgia’s Wildlife Action plan and the annual nongame fundraiser Weekend for Wildlife.

“It’s especially rewarding to see these two pioneering partners still engaged in this flagship partnership,” Forster said of Plum Creek and Georgia Power.

Conservation efforts benefit from Forestry for Wildlife through management of endangered red-cockaded woodpecker habitats, managing and monitoring bald eagle and swallow-tailed kite nesting, managing isolated wetlands critical to protected reptiles and amphibians like the gopher frog, managing rare remnant Coosa Valley Prairie and Black Belt Prairie habitats containing endangered plants, and providing numerous public hunting opportunities.

All of the conservation enhancement components and reporting procedures are compatible with the American Forest and Paper Association’s Sustainable Forestry Initiative, a voluntary approach within the forest industry to maintain high environmental standards on lands managed by corporate landowners.

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Release: Governor Delivers Functionally Balanced Budgets That Invest in Georgia’s Future

Governor Sonny Perdue today released his Amended Fiscal Year 2010 and Fiscal Year 2011 budgets today, delivering functionally balanced budgets that also continue to invest in Georgia’s future.

“We have actively managed the budget in a step-down approach as revenues have continued to slide,” said Governor Perdue. “Just as Georgians are balancing their checkbooks and making tough decisions in difficult times, the state must and will do the same.”

Governor Perdue’s recommended Amended 2010 budget totals $17.4 billion, a $1.2 billion reduction from the original FY 2010 budget, and the 2011 budget stands at $18.2 billion.
While there are spending cuts throughout both budgets, the Governor is recommending additional funding into the state’s mental health system to stabilize staffing levels in state hospitals and improve care for patients. $20 million is called for in the AFY 2010 budget and an additional $50 million in FY 2011.

“We cannot retreat from our duty to protect those who cannot protect themselves,” Governor Perdue said during his State of the State address on Wednesday. “I am convinced that Georgia can, Georgia must, and Georgia will adequately care for citizens in our state’s mental health program, even though this has been a daunting challenge that precedes my time as Governor.”

The Amended FY 2010 budget also includes $27 million to provide disaster assistance funding for storm damage and floods in south Georgia this spring and for September flooding in the Metro Atlanta area.

The FY 2011 budget includes just over $900 million in bond projects, including $168 million in construction, equipment and school buses for Georgia’s K-12 schools. There is also $121 million in projects at our state’s universities and another $44 million at technical schools, for a total of $333 million in education that signals a clear and continuing investment in Georgia’s future.

As he announced yesterday, the Governor also is recommending $300 million in transportation projects in the bond package as well. In addition to the $300 million, the Governor also recommended $68 million for the deepening of the Savannah River harbor. As the environmental studies near completion, the joint federal-state project will deepen the shipping channel from 42 feet to 48 feet allowing the world’s biggest ships to call on the Savannah Port.

To download a copy of both the Amended FY 2010 budget and the FY 2011 visit the Office of Planning and Budget’s home page -- http://www.opb.state.ga.us/ -- and look on the top right for the link.
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Governor Perdue Announces $8.3 million in OneGeorgia Awards

Governor Sonny Perdue and members of the OneGeorgia Authority Board met December 7 at Southwest Georgia Technical College and approved grants and loans from the OneGeorgia Authority’s portfolio of financing programs.

These awards will assist with a variety of economic development projects in rural Georgia aimed at creating jobs, stimulating new private investment, supporting the retention of existing jobs and enhancing regional competitiveness through capacity-building projects. These projects, along with their respective local leadership representatives, were recognized at the OneGeorgia board meeting.

Company officials and local leaders associated with the most recent EDGE awards were recognized at today’s meeting. The five EDGE awards, totaling $2.5 million, are leveraged against approximately $100 million in total project costs and are projected to create over 677 jobs within the next three years as well as to retain 75 jobs.

Washington-Wilkes Payroll Development Authority / Callaway Farms Manufacturing, LLC

EDGE grant funds will be used to assist with building improvements to support the location of Callaway Farms Manufacturing, LLC (CFM), an animal bedding manufacturer, to Washington. The Company plans to rehabilitate an existing 20-acre site previously occupied by International Paper Company Sawmill. CFM is a privately held company that was created in 2007 by three individuals who have over 75 years of agricultural and business experience. The Company’s principal product will be animal bedding for horses that will be made out of pulpwood and unusable timber procured from a five-county area surrounding Wilkes County.

EDGE Award: $100,000 / Total Project Cost: $4.5 million
50 new jobs in two years / Interstate competition: Jasper, Alabama


Development Authority of Harris County / Hoover Universal, Inc.

EDGE grant funds will be used to assist with site preparation to support the location of Hoover Universal, Inc. (HUI), an auto supply manufacturer, to West Point, Harris County. HUI plans to construct a 127,500 square-foot facility on 27 acres in the Northwest Harris Business Park, which is located six miles from the KIA facility. The Company will manufacture interior automotive components, such as seats and door panels, as a Tier 1 supplier to KIA Motors Manufacturing Georgia, Inc. Hoover Universal is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Johnson Controls, Inc. (JCI) which was established in 1883. JCI employs over 140,000 worldwide.

EDGE Award: $1 million / Total Project Cost: $35.2 million
310 new jobs in two years / Interstate competition: Alabama


Development Authority of Walton County/General Mills Operations, LLC

EDGE grant funds will be used to assist with the purchase of machinery and equipment to outfit a new distribution facility in support of General Mills Operations, LLC (GMO). GMO is a subsidiary of General Mills, Inc. (GMI), a Fortune 500 company and one of the world’s premier consumer foods companies with products in over 100 countries around the world. With a current manufacturing facility in Covington, Newton County, Georgia since 1989, the Company seeks to expand in the southeastern region of the U.S. by constructing a regional distribution center. General Mills plans to construct a 1.5 million square-foot LEED certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) facility on 130 acres that will be one of the largest of its kind in the U.S. Some of General Mills’ more notable products and brands include: Cheerios, Wheaties, Yoplait, Hamburger Helper, Green Giant, Betty Crocker and the most recognized icon of GMI – the Pillsbury Dough Boy.

EDGE Award: $500,000 / Total Project Cost: $46.7 million
112 new jobs in two years / Interstate competition: Florida and Tennessee


HoustonCountyDevelopment Authority / Little League Baseball, Inc.

EDGE grant funds will be used to assist with site preparation in support of the location of Little League Baseball (LLB), Inc. LLB, a non-profit organization which organizes local youth baseball and softball leagues, has helped to organize over 200,000 teams (2.3 million players) in every state in the US and over 80 countries throughout the world. The Company is relocating its Southeastern regional headquarters from St. Petersburg, Florida to Warner Robins in Houston County to a new facility best suited for growth and expansion. LLB plans to construct 10,000 square-feet of administrative office/meeting space, practice fields, and enclosed one-story maintenance facility on 26 acres adjacent to the existing 29.56-acres Warner Robins American Little League complex. The location is expected to attract approximately 20,000 annual visitors to the area which over a 10-year period is estimated to have a $32 million regional impact.

EDGE Award: $598,640 / Total Project Cost: $5.5 million
5 new jobs and indirect impact of $3+ million annually across the region
Interstate competition: North and South Carolina


ThomasvillePayroll Development Authority / Senior Life Insurance Company

EDGE grant funds will be used to assist with site preparation and construction for the expansion of Senior Life Insurance Company (SLIC) in Thomasville. SLIC is a Thomasville based insurance company that has been in business more than 37 years. The Company is licensed to underwrite life and health insurance products in 20 states and the District of Columbia. It is a niche company which offers insurance products to senior citizens. SLIC has 75 employees in Thomasville and occupies 9,000 square feet of rental office space. In 2000, SLIC operated in Georgia and five other southeastern states and in 2002 and 2003, expanded to eight additional states, with two other state applications currently pending. With rapid growth, SLIC has outgrown its current facility, prompting management’s decision to expand its corporate headquarters in Thomasville or move to Florida. The Company plans to construct a 40,000 square foot facility on a 10-acre tract located at the intersection of West Jackson Street and U.S. Hwy 319 South in Thomasville.

EDGE Award: $350,000 / Total Project Cost: $7.9 million
200 new jobs in three years; retain 75 jobs / Interstate competition: Tallahassee, Florida


The Equity Fund is designed to assist communities and regions in building the necessary infrastructure to support economic development. The program’s flexibility also provides financial assistance to enhance publicly-owned tourism initiatives, workforce development opportunities and downtown revitalization projects. In addition, loan funds are available through the Equity Revolving Loan Fund to assist small business owners with business growth and expansion opportunities. Today, 12 Equity awards, totaling $5.1 million, are leveraged against approximately $202 million in total project costs.

City of Vienna - Sewer Infrastructure Improvements

Equity grant funds will be used for sewer infrastructure improvements to benefit the Tyson Poultry Plant located in the City of Vienna, Dooly County. Tyson Foods, the City’s largest employer, processes chickens and has the contract for the Wendy’s food chain in the Southeast. Due to the large amount of waste material associated with chicken processing, the wastewater conveyance system often gets backed up and spills into the environment which has resulted in a Consent Order from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. If the backups last more than a day, plant production ceases. This could jeopardize Tyson’s contract with Wendy’s which could in turn mean the direct loss of 600 jobs for the region. In addition, closure of the plant would affect hatchery employees, poultry farmers, poultry wranglers, feed processors, truck drivers and employees of other related industries in the area.

Equity Grant Award: $500,000 / Total Project Cost: $2.5 million / Retain 600 jobs


City of Cordele – Road Infrastructure

Equity loan funds will be used to assist with road widening improvements along Frontage Road and Kelly Road to State Route 300 in order to open up the area to commercial development opportunities and encourage tourism to the area by accommodating the heavy traffic from I-75 and SR 300. The City of Cordele is located in Crisp County in south middle Georgia in a federally designated Empowerment Zone. Crisp, Dooly and Wilcox Counties have some of the worst poverty levels in the state. The proposed road improvements would increase the number of customers willing and/or able to access businesses along Frontage Road. Businesses to benefit from the road widening improvements are McDonald’s, Flash Foods, Papa’s Southern Meats and Eats, Back Woods Outdoors and Shelby’s Market Place. These Companies and the developer have provided a firm letter of commitment that assures the creation of 68 jobs and the provision of $7,960,648 in private investment.

Equity Loan Award: $500,000 / Total Project Cost: $9.5 million / Create 68 jobs


Downtown Development Authority of the City of Arlington – Facilitating Business Growth / Land, Site Prep, and Public Infrastructure

Equity loan funds will be used to assist with the expansion of Damascus Fertilizer Company, d/b/a Early Trucking Company (ETC), located in Arlington, Calhoun County, Georgia. ETC is one of the largest employers in Calhoun County with 42 full-time employees who reside in 9 counties. The Company provides several levels of services to Southwest Georgia’s peanut industry. These services include transporting peanuts from farmer to purchaser, transporting peanuts in the hull from buying locations to shelling plants, shipping shelled product to storage, shipping hull fiber to regional feed mills and chicken processors, and delivering bulk oil grade peanuts to regional processors. Increased demand has required an expansion of its truck fleet from 28 to 42 trucks, the purchase of 26 additional trailers and 14 additional full-time drivers. The existing location is no longer adequate for ETC’s expanded operations. Equity funds will be loaned to ETC for land acquisition, site preparation and building construction.

Equity Loan Award: $300,126 / Total Project Cost: $2.5 million/ Create 20 jobs


Grady County Joint Development Authority – Capacity Building/ Land Acquisition

Equity grant funds will be used to assist with the acquisition of 175 acres of land ($2.2million) to expand the existing 179-acre Milestone Industrial Park in Cairo, Grady County. The property is located just off Hwy 84, has CSX rail access and is attractive for companies needing access to the tri-state market of Georgia, Florida and Alabama. The City of Cairo has committed to provide all utilities ($1 million) including water, sewer, electricity and natural gas extensions. The Industrial Park was established in 1990 and has become the primary location for much of the industry located in the County, currently serving 17 industries with an estimated 950 workers. Because only small (4 to 10 acre) tracts remain in the original park, Grady County recognized the need to expand the Park, having larger sites available for prospective industries.

Equity Grant Award: $500,000 / Total Project Cost: $3.3 million


City of Madison Downtown Development Authority - Enhancing Regional Tourism / Building Construction

Equity grant funds will be used to assist with the development of the new Town Park Event Center in downtown Madison. The requested funds will be used for the construction of Harris Bicentennial Pavilion and an Art Guild Cottage, the Park’s primary venue and tourist welcome center. Although a center for education and agriculture in the 19th century, Madison is best known today as a popular tourist destination which already hosts over 50,000 visitors each year by marketing its historic downtown and attractions such as the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center, the African American Museum, Heritage Hall, the Rose Cottage, and others. Town Park will accommodate approximately 3,000 people and has already been a tremendous economic development catalyst in the City and Region. The new event center will attract visitors and tourists as it revitalizes a portion of downtown Madison, resulting in the generation of new jobs and tax revenues for the City, County, Region, and State.

Equity Grant Award: $300,000 / Total Project Cost: $2.5 million


Clayton-Rabun County Water and Sewer Authority – Enhancing Regional Competitiveness / Sewer Infrastructure Improvements

Equity grant funds will provide gap financing for needed sewer infrastructure along the northern sector of US Hwy 441 between Mountain City and Dillard to sustain existing businesses. The community has executed documents with GEFA for a $1 million loan and received an Appalachian Regional Commission grant of $300,000. With the Georgia Department of Transportation's completion of the widening/improving of the Northern section of Hwy 441, acceleration of tourism and commercial business sectors is anticipated in an area where topography and environmental protections often limit development opportunities. Because the northernmost portion of this highway (1.25 miles) is without sanitary sewer, existing businesses are threatened by failing onsite septic systems, and new businesses are unable to locate without this basic infrastructure. For example, both the Feed Mill Restaurant and Osage Farms are considering expansions due to business growth. However, due to failing sewer systems, these expansions are in jeopardy. Located in the northeastern corner of the state, Rabun and Habersham Counties are strategically positioned to attract and conduct business within a four-state region which includes Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Equity Grant Award: $300,000 / Total Project Cost: $2.1 million / Retain 12 jobs


Toccoa-StephensAirportAuthority – Building Construction

Equity grant funds will be used to assist with construction of a 5,948 SF terminal facility at the Toccoa-Stephens County Regional Airport at R.G LeTourneau Field. Presently a small office within a privately-operated maintenance hangar serves as the airport terminal. The airport, located in the northeastern corner of the state, is centrally located near the Georgia and North/South Carolina borders and serves as a gateway to the Northeast Georgia Mountains. Statistics reflect that this Level II airport handles comparable traffic to other Level III airports (Cornelia, Blairsville) and is Georgia's northernmost airport before entering mountainous terrain, serving as a hub for Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountain tourist traffic. While neighboring Franklin and Hart Counties are served by two airports, neither have adequate facilities to welcome/meet prospective business clients. This proposed airport terminal will play a pivotal role in attracting regional business and tourism prospects to the Northeast Region. After losing 2,000+ furniture manufacturing jobs and similar amount of textile jobs, this region has adopted a plan to attract smaller diversified industry.

Equity Grant Award: $500,000 / Total Project Cost: $3.2 million


RandolphCountyDevelopment Authority – Agri-business

Equity loan funds will be used to assist with the purchase of machinery and equipment in support of the location of A.G. Daniel Industries, LLC to Randolph County, Georgia. A.G. Daniel Industries is a Georgia company which will manufacture cattle feed product from cotton gin waste material which is currently being disposed of via burning. This product can replace high quality cattle feed at a price that is significantly lower than the market price of other like feed products. The Company will also reclaim 11.5% good quality cotton lint which will be baled in industry standard 500 pound bales and sold to cotton product manufacturers. The processing equipment will also collect and separate what is known as mote cotton which will also be baled and sold to either a mote processor or a company that manufactures products from the short fiber material, such as money, insulation and furniture padding. A.G. Daniel will create at least 70 new jobs within two years and invest over $5 million in the community.

Equity Loan Award: $400,000 / Total Project Cost: $6.4 million / Create 70 jobs


Development Authority of Jefferson County – Water Infrastructure

Equity grant funds will support water infrastructure improvements in the new 664 acre Kings Mill Commerce Park located 3 miles south of Wrens and 10 miles from Louisville. The project will consist of constructing 17,700 linear feet of 12-inch waterlines to serve the park. Jefferson County is contracting with the City of Wrens to operate and maintain the system. The property is strategically located near the junction of US Hwy 1 and S. R. 80 and is bordered by nearly one mile of Norfolk Southern main rail line. Natural gas service is available via the City of Wrens. Jefferson County became Georgia’s first Certified Work Ready Community. In addition, the County is recognized as a Community of Opportunity. Known as a bedroom community on the outskirts of Augusta, Jefferson County is one of 14 counties that comprise the Central Savannah River Area. Although no tenants have been secured for the Park thus far, the projected impact in terms of job creation is 1,650 jobs at full build-out.

Equity Grant Award: $500,000 / Total Project Cost: $3.9 million


City of Barnesville – Water Infrastructure

Equity grant funds will assist with public water infrastructure improvements, specifically the installation of a dual feed loop to the City’s existing water system, to support the location of Piedmont Green Power, LLC (PGP) on 50 acres in the Legacy Industrial Park in Barnesville. Having a reliable, continuous supply of water at the required pressure will be a critical factor in the operation of the plant. The company plans to begin construction in March 2010 with anticipated operations/commissioning of the plant in the spring of 2012. PGP, a subsidiary of North Carolina-based Rollcast Energy, Inc, is a producer of clean, sustainable electrical energy. PGP plans to construct a 60,000 SF renewable power generation facility using native, regional biomass materials to generate nearly 50 megawatts of electricity that will be sold through a power purchase agreement (PPA) to Georgia Power.

Equity Grant Award: $500,000 / Total Project Cost: $161.1 million
Create 22 jobs and unspecified number of indirect jobs via trucking, forest products and ancillary services


City of Colquitt Downtown Development Authority – Regional Tourism/Building Rehab

Equity grant and loan funds will be used to renovate a 4,600 square foot 1950s era movie theater on the town square into a regional multi-use conference/ meeting/performance center to be called The Woodstork Center. The Center has a seating capacity of 300 and would accommodate all types of events. This facility is seen as an enhancement and expansion of the cultural tourism initiative started in 1992 with the first production of Swamp Gravy, Georgia's Folk Life Play. Over the last several years Colquitt has hosted multiple conferences including "Building Creative Communities" Conferences (2006-2009) with the 4th scheduled for February 2010 and also three Southwest Georgia Film Festivals held each September. Colquitt has also been selected to host the 2010 "Global Mural, Arts and Cultural Tourism" Conference next October, which will bring people from all over the world. Over the years, Colquitt has expanded its performance repertoire to include May-Haw, a musical variety theater offered during the year as well as summer and Christmas Youth Theater Programs. An estimated 55,000 people visit Colquitt and Miller County annually for performances, events, festivals, mural tours, and restaurants. The project will be another asset to build on the cultural tourism industry of the region.

Equity Grant/Loan Award: $500,000 / Total Project Cost: $1.2 million


Hart County Water and Sewer Utility Authority – Water Infrastructure

Equity grant funds will be used to assist with water improvements to benefit Cobb-Vantress, Inc. (CVI) and Crystal Farms, Inc. (CFI), two of the state’s leading poultry industries. Cobb-Vantress is a leading supplier of broiler breeding stock. They are currently served by three groundwater wells. A consistent, reliable water source is needed to hydrate and cool the 60,000 great grandparent birds at the location. Their 43 employees also take approximately 100 showers a day. Crystal Farms, Inc. is the largest commercial egg producer in the state of Georgia. The southwestern Hart County facility houses 1.4 million hens. The site currently has sixteen wells, three of which are dry. With a cumulative $24 million private investment and nearly 100 jobs, both poultry companies, located along an un-served 10-mile stretch of Hwy 29, are without fire protection and must solely rely on private wells for water. Over the past several years, both companies have had to rotate water supplies to sustain operations. Improvements include an interconnection between Hart County's Water Authority and the City of Royston.

Equity Grant Award: $300,000 / Total Project Cost: $4.9 million


The AIRGeorgia Fund is intended to accelerate the completion of critical airport infrastructure improvements. Today’s AIRGeorgia award of $651,835 is leveraged against more than $1.8 million in total project costs.

City of Reidsville – Level I Airport – Runway Extension

AIRGeorgia grant funds will be used to assist with improvements to Swinton Smith Field at Reidsville Municipal Airport that includes an extension of the 3,802 ft runway to 5,000 ft, a taxiway addition and installation of aviation lighting. The Airport is located in Tattnall County in SE Georgia. Situated on 297.83 acres, this Level I airport is owned by the Reidsville Airport Authority and is operated by the City of Reidsville. The request for AIRGeorgia assistance equals 36% of the $1,820,884 total project cost. Project partners include the City, Airport Authority, Federal Aviation Administration, Georgia Department of Transportation’s Aviation Division, and the engineering firm of Wilbur Smith Associates. Benefits of the airport improvements will include improved safety as well as increased economic activity. In addition, the Georgia State Patrol (GSP) has two helicopters that are permanently stationed at the airport. Plans are underway to add a new hangar and to add a fixed-wing aircraft to the fleet of the GSP aircraft.

AIRGeorgia Grant Award: $651,835 / Total Project Cost: $1.8 million


The OneGeorgia Authority was created utilizing one-third of the state’s tobacco settlement to assist the state’s most economically challenged areas. The OneGeorgia Authority is expected to receive about $1.6 billion over the 25-year term of the settlement. From the Authority’s inception to-date, OneGeorgia has made 458 awards totaling $251 million leveraged against total project investment of $5 billion, a return on investment of 20:1. Impacting 132 economically-depressed counties, more than 45,000 jobs have been retained and created.

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Public Celebration Officially Launches Revitalization of Jekyll Island

/PRNewswire/ -- Governor Sonny Perdue, along with board members and staff of The Jekyll Island Authority, officially launched Jekyll Island's revitalization today with a public celebration attended by area business leaders, government officials, dignitaries, guests and residents of Jekyll Island.

Signifying an exciting future for Jekyll Island, Governor Perdue was joined by board members and dignitaries to plant a commemorative tree at the future site of Great Dunes Park -- which one day will be a beautiful and central welcoming area for all Jekyll Island guests. Today's event marked the first official groundbreaking for the highly-anticipated public revitalization project planned for the island.

In his public remarks today, Gov. Perdue said, "The revitalization of Jekyll Island has been discussed for many years, and I'm excited that this day is finally here. This public-private partnership will result in a reinvigorated Jekyll Island that will attract more visitors who will appreciate the beauty and history of one of our state's crown jewels."

Echoing the Governor's sentiment was Jekyll Island Authority Board Chairman Bob Krueger, "This is great news for Jekyll Island," Krueger said. "This was a grand day, and marks the beginning of Jekyll Island's revitalization. It's all good, and it's a sign of great things to come for the island."

Also attending today's ceremony were delegates to the 71st annual meeting of nearly 1,400 members of the Georgia Farm Bureau. "We have welcomed this group more than 45 times on Jekyll Island, and their support has had a significant guest and economic impact on our Island," said Hooks. "It's very fitting that they're here with us today as we celebrate our future, and we look forward to hosting them many more times on our revitalized island."

Great Dunes Park

Today the island broke ground for Great Dunes Park. Once completed, it will welcome guests and residents to Jekyll Island with nearly 20 acres of beachfront space enhanced by several picnic pavilions, a deck for beach events, a play area, beach access for the public, and more. The play area will include an 8,000-square-foot environmental area for kids and other natural recreational elements. This development project, which will encompass dune restoration where appropriate, and will also incorporate structural features to protect the environment, such as bio-swells to capture and treat storm-water run-off, sea-turtle-friendly lighting, and signage to educate visitors about the environment. Pedestrian-friendly markings will guide guests throughout the entire beachfront park.

The parking area at the existing convention center will be redesigned to provide parking for the new beach park and convention center, along with expanded family and group pavilions. A new beach deck will provide elevated views of beach and lawn activities, a shaded pavilion, and restrooms. Native tree and shrub plantings will enhance the beachside feel and provide durable, low-maintenance vegetation to protect the dunes and provide a natural habitat for wildlife. Signage will educate visitors about the environmental sensitivity of barrier islands. A walkway will connect Great Dunes Park to the future Jekyll Island Beach Village. Southern Wilderness, of Edison, GA, was awarded the Great Dunes construction project at the end of November, and their winning bid was nearly a half million under the proposed $2.2 million budget for the project.

Jekyll Island Convention Center

Following the construction of Great Dunes Park, the Jekyll Island Authority is scheduled to break ground on the new Jekyll Island Convention Center. The new facility will provide more than 120,000 square feet of prime meeting space for planners and maximum enjoyment for guests. It will be integrated into its natural beachfront location in a manner that minimizes impact on the environment while creating a positive guest experience to ensure strong repeat business for years to come.

The interior design of the center will present a relaxed coastal experience in keeping with the indigenous beachfront context. The roof forms of the building's exterior will harmonize with the surrounding beachfront trees. Outdoor terraces will allow visitors to enjoy delightful vistas and balmy coastal breezes while sheltered from sun or rain. Views of the dunes and ocean will be a key feature for attracting conventions - many of which are currently meeting outside the State.

Jekyll Island Entrance Revitalization and Island Improvements:

The next phase of Jekyll Island's revitalization includes plans to improve entry corridors welcoming guests to Jekyll Island. All improvements to the entry corridor will take advantage of existing live oaks to enhance the intimate character of the Jekyll Island entry experience. The Jekyll Island Causeway and Beachview Drive, both two-lane roads, will provide adequate traffic capacity for the existing and proposed development. Relocating the present welcome center to the vicinity of the current visitors' center on the causeway will allow the inland to better display its scenic beauty to arriving guests. Expanding the entrance to two traffic lanes will further enhance the arrival experience. Current plans call for construction of a new gas station on the island with 24-hour service and a food mart, to replace the station that was closed earlier this year. Verizon Wireless recently completed a new cell phone tower in November on the south end of Jekyll Island. The tower enhances calling capacity and in-building service-level to the Verizon Wireless voice, National Access data and Broadband Access data network for the guests staying at the Jekyll Island Club.

Morgan Center

In partnership with the Jekyll Landmark Associates (a Jekyll Island Club Hotel affiliate), the Jekyll Island Authority has agreed to an adaptive reuse of the 1929 Morgan Tennis Center as the home for Jekyll Island meeting and convention activities during the revitalization process. Construction is underway and exterior and interior renovations will include a wonderful event balcony that will make the building suitable for weddings, meetings, banquets, and other events. New food service and kitchen facilities will be added to the existing building, along with new restrooms, and the facility will continue offering wedding and event services after the new convention center is completed.

Jekyll Island Beach Village

Plans continue for the Jekyll Island Beach Village, anticipated as a charming hub and popular island destination for Jekyll Island guests and residents. Current retail offerings on Jekyll Island will be integrated into the new Beach Village location, and Reynolds Companies, in partnership with the Jekyll Island Authority, will fund, design, and construct various private portions of the village, to include approximately 30,000 square feet of retail space located below approximately 60 loft units, a 150-room economy hotel, and a 200-room mid-scale hotel. A future 160-unit, vacation-ownership project or cottage development is also planned to the south of the hotels. In addition to the $50 million in public investment designated for Jekyll Island's revitalization, an approximately $120 million in private funding will be invested to build these hotels, along with restaurants and retail shops.

New Hampton Inn and Suites

In January, 2010, the first new hotel on Jekyll Island since 1974 will open its doors. The beachfront Hampton Inn and Suites will be jointly owned by New Castle and Jekyll Ocean Oaks, LLC, the owner-operator of the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. The new facility will offer 138 guest rooms, 88 of which are suites with balconies. Amenities will include a lobby bar, beach access, revitalized nature trails, an expansive pool deck, a kid's pool, and a large hot tub. The property utilizes solar panels for water heating, and the hotel is a member of the "Green" Hotel Association, a group of environmentally-friendly properties whose managers are eager to institute programs that save water, save energy and reduce solid waste.

Economic Impact

The revitalization of Jekyll Island continues to move forward despite the unprecedented national economic recession. With the $50 million of public funding committed, the Jekyll Island Authority has been able to keep revitalization on track for necessary public infrastructure redevelopment. The projects will create 200 construction jobs with a payroll of more than $56 million.

"Jekyll Island was first purchased by the State as a wonderful and special place for all Georgians," said Jekyll Island Executive Director Jones Hooks. "On completion, Jekyll Island will be back on the map as a spectacular place to live and visit in Georgia, and will once again be known as one of the premier travel destinations in the Southeast. The momentum starts today with this exciting project that will create jobs at a time when they are desperately needed, and we're confident that 'It's All Good!'"

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Governor Perdue Visiting Troops in Iraq

Governor Sonny Perdue and three other governors are visiting American soldiers serving in Iraq today (November 10), as Veteran’s Day approaches this week. Governor Perdue is in Iraq as part of a delegation with Governors Haley Barbour of Mississippi, Dave Freudenthal of Wyoming and Ted Kulongoski of Oregon.

“I am very encouraged with the progress that has been made in Iraq,” Governor Perdue said. “I have been able to visit troops from across Georgia and it is clear that the strength and courage of our soldiers have made a real difference here.”

The governors were able to attend a cookout today in Iraq with soldiers from each of their states.

“I am especially honored to be with our soldiers as we all prepare for Veteran’s Day tomorrow,” Governor Perdue added. “I encourage all Georgians to do all they can to show our veterans how much we appreciate their service and commitment to our great country.”

On Monday, the governors received a briefing in Washington D.C. by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and other Pentagon officials. They also visited Walter Reed Army Medical Center to meet with wounded soldiers.

Governor Perdue last visited Iraq in November 2005. On that trip, he also visited Qatar, Kuwait and Afghanistan.

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Governor Perdue to Visit Panama Canal

Governor Sonny Perdue will lead a state delegation September 23 – 26 to Panama to discuss Panama Canal Expansion and the proposed Savannah Harbor Expansion Project. Governor Perdue will be joined by senior leaders of the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) and the Georgia Department of Economic Development. The trip will include a meeting with the Panama Canal Authority and with Maersk, GPA’s largest customer.

“More than 72 percent of total trade moving through Georgia’s ports transits the Panama Canal,” said Governor Perdue. “The economic engine of the Port of Savannah is directly tied to the Canal. It is the lifeline that feeds our port by bringing jobs and prosperity to not only Georgia but the entire eastern half of the United States.”

As home to the fourth largest U.S. container port in Savannah, the state of Georgia has a great interest in the Panama Canal Expansion. The Georgia Ports Authority has had a strategic partnership with the Panama Canal Authority since 2003, which provides economic benefits to both regions.

The Panama Canal will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2014 with the opening of a new set of locks. The new locks will double capacity and allow more traffic and longer, wider ships to go through the canal.

In preparation for the expanded canal and larger ships calling on the East Coast, the GPA is working diligently to gain approval on the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project, designed to deepen the Savannah River up to 48 feet. With an estimated completion date of 2014, the deepened shipping channel will be able to handle the larger vessels that will transit the expanded canal.
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Governor Perdue Invites Alabama, Florida Back to Water Negotiations

Governor Sonny Perdue has invited the governors of Alabama and Florida to return to the table and resume water negotiations, offering 40 different dates for the two to consider. Governor Perdue offered to host the talks in Atlanta or meet the governors at another mutually agreed-upon location.

“Water issues have dominated the headlines in recent days, and I have read statements from both of you that indicate your willingness to resume water negotiations,” Governor Perdue wrote in a letter to both governors. “Judge Magnuson’s insistence on a Congressional solution was specifically related to authority for Lanier and did not address the allocation of water in the basins between the three states. I have always believed that a negotiated settlement that protects the rights and resources of all three states is the most lasting solution.”

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Statement of Governor Sonny Perdue Regarding U.S. Supreme Court Photo ID Ruling

Governor Sonny Perdue issued the following statement today regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s denial of the Plaintiffs’ petition for a writ of certiorari in Common Cause v. Georgia, which concludes the federal lawsuit:

“The Supreme Court’s decision today is a victory for ensuring fair elections. It properly defers to Georgia’s policy makers, and it recognizes that the Voter ID Act we passed in 2006 does not impede the right to vote. By rejecting the Plaintiffs’ appeal, the highest court in the United States rejected a key argument still being argued in a state court lawsuit filed against Georgia’s elected officials by the Democratic Party of Georgia. I am optimistic that the state courts will agree with the Supreme Court and protect the integrity of the voting process.”


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Governor Lights Flame of Hope for Special Olympics Georgia at State Capitol, Kicking Off Summer Games

/PRNewswire / -- Governor Sonny Perdue will help light the Flame of Hope for Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA) athletes at 9:15 a.m. Friday on the front steps of the State Capitol, kicking off State Summer Games this weekend.

The torch has been passed across the state by law enforcement officers for the last few weeks and will stop at 8 p.m. Friday at the Summer Games Opening Ceremony at Emory University's McDonough Field.

At the games, 2,100 athletes will compete in gymnastics, aquatics, athletics, volleyball, soccer, tennis and other sports Saturday and Sunday at Emory's Woodruff P.E. Center and the Candler Soccer Field, which are free and open to the public.

Friday's torch passing is part of a press conference to announce the 2009 Final Leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Once the Governor and SOGA athlete Elena Weaver light the torch, they will pass it off to members of the 2009 Law Enforcement Torch Run, comprised of the Atlanta Police Department, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, Georgia State Patrol and other agencies' officers across the state.

Perdue, Weaver and Chief Billy Grogan of Dunwoody Police Department and LETR State Director will speak at the conference.

The top five Torch Run fundraising agencies are: Kennesaw Police Department, Marietta Police Department, Chatham County Sheriff's Department, Gwinnett County Sheriff's Department, and Villa Rica Police Department. The Torch Run's presenting sponsor is Publix Supermarkets.

Special Olympics Georgia mission

Special Olympics Georgia provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for 22,797 children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

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Governor Perdue Declares May As Exercise is Medicine Month in Georgia

(BUSINESS WIRE)--Governor Sonny Perdue signed a proclamation May 5th recognizing May as Exercise is Medicine Month in Georgia. Exercise is Medicine is a national program, founded by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) with The Coca-Cola Company, which encourages consumers to speak with their doctors about an appropriate level of exercise, plan their exercise regimen, track it and stick to it. ACSM, in partnership with Coca-Cola, calls on health care organizations and physicians, regardless of specialty, to review every patient's physical activity program during every comprehensive visit. If exercise is lacking in a patient’s life, doctors are encouraged to write a prescription for physical activity.

“Exercise is Medicine Month highlights the importance of physical activity as an integral part of maintaining overall wellbeing,” said Governor Perdue. “I am proud to sign the proclamation that encourages all citizens to participate in activities and observances relating to Exercise is Medicine Month, especially as it is supported by a local organization, The Coca-Cola Company.”

The proclamation states that all citizens are encouraged to speak with their physicians about how physical activity and exercise may help treat or prevent numerous chronic conditions, such as hypertension, cardiac disease and diabetes. For someone in good health, the recommendation is 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week, which can easily be achieved in 30 minutes of activity and 10 minutes of stretching five times a week.

“At Coca-Cola, we encourage our associates to stay active and we are excited that Exercise is Medicine Month is now a state-wide initiative that will reach all Georgia citizens,” said Celeste Bottorff, Vice President, Living Well, Coca-Cola North America. “We understand how important it is to participate in regular physical activity and make informed choices, as calories consumed versus the number of calories expended remains the core of effective weight management.”

Visit www.exerciseismedicinemonth.org to download a community toolkit, which explains how to spread the word about Exercise is Medicine Month in your community. This toolkit also includes My Exercise Plan, physical assessment tests and tools to start an effective exercise program.

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The Biotechnology Industry Organization Honors Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue as Governor of the Year

/PRNewswire/ -- The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) announced its selection of Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue as 2009 Governor of the Year in recognition of his leadership and support of the biosciences in Georgia.

"Governor Perdue's support of biotechnology has been vital for our industry's success in Georgia," said Jim Greenwood, President and CEO of BIO. "He has been a stalwart advocate of the biosciences in Georgia and truly understands the promise of our industry to provide revolutionary therapies and cures for patients, increase agricultural sustainability and develop alternative fuels. In addition, I would like to personally thank the Governor and his team at the Department of Economic Development for being such great partners in helping to plan and organize the upcoming 2009 BIO International Convention."

Among Governor Perdue's programs is the implementation of the first-ever seed capital and facilities funds focused specifically on the life sciences industry. The Georgia Bioscience seed fund has been used to support 16 start-up companies over the past two years. The life sciences facilities fund assists companies with their facility needs including new building and laboratory construction. Governor Perdue has also allocated, on average, $30 million to $40 million a year towards strengthening research in life sciences and other advanced technologies at the state's universities.

"Governor Perdue recognizes that a robust life sciences industry is essential for the state's economic growth," said Charlie Craig, President of GeorgiaBio. "He has put in place policies that will continue to support Georgia's position as a leading home for biotechnology long after he leaves office."

Research confirms biotechnology's strength in Georgia. Released today, the 2009 Shaping Infinity report, produced by GeorgiaBio in association with the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the Terry College of Business, includes the first-ever economic impact study of the life sciences industry in Georgia. The key finding of the study is that Georgia's life sciences companies contribute substantial economic activity to the state: one out of every 68 jobs in Georgia owes its existence to the life sciences industry and university research.

The industry is both a pillar of and a driver of the state's economy, translating into jobs, higher incomes, greater production of goods and services, and higher revenue collections for state and local government. The study reveals that Georgia's life sciences industry and research at the state's universities are responsible for:

-- 62,033 jobs
-- $17.3 billion in annual economic impact.

-- $517 million in tax revenues for state and local governments

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NOPA Applauds GA Bill Passage to End Sole-Source Contracts

/PRNewswire / -- The National Office Products Alliance (NOPA) applauds Georgia Senator Eric Johnson, 1st District and Representative Mark Williams, 178th District for their successful efforts on behalf of small businesses and for the passage of Bill SB-211. The bill removes responsibility for state government purchasing of "routine office supplies used for the daily operation of an office" from the scope of duties of the Department of Administrative Services (DOAS). The practical result of the bill would be to do away with "sole-source" contracts and open the office supplies business with all state government agencies to direct competition among all qualified Georgia businesses.

Unanimously passed by the Georgia State Senate on March 12th and by the House on March 30th by a vote of 144 to 17, the bill need only be signed by Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue to become law.

Although not law yet, the State already opened the doors to competition last year when a large volume of contract pricing irregularities and unauthorized product substitutions were revealed after an audit of sole-source contract holder Office Depot. Following the audit, DOAS terminated the contract and notified Office Depot that it would suspend the company from participation in state government business for up to one year. A legal appeal by Office Depot led to a settlement with DOAS and a temporary reopening of state government business to all qualified office product dealers.

"SB-211 maintains this present situation, precludes DOAS from issuing a new state contract and alleviates awards based on political pressure from the large national companies," said Chris Bates, president of NOPA. "Small independent dealers have fought long and hard to recapture state business they believe was unfairly awarded to a single national company several years ago. SB-211 ensures that state customers continue to receive "best value" when purchasing office supplies."

"Our successes show what independents can achieve when we work together," commented Juanita Strickland of Malone Office Environments in Columbus, GA. "With the current state of the economy, it's more important than ever for government, particularly at the state level, to support small business and our bill does just that."

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Governor Perdue Commends Passage of Super Speeder Legislation

Increased fines will slow drivers, fund trauma network

Governor Sonny Perdue today commended the final passage of “Super Speeder” legislation, HB 160, by the General Assembly. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Jim Cole and will help reduce traumatic automobile accidents and provide funds for trauma care in the state. The legislation passed the House 113-53 and passed the Senate 42-10.

“I commend the General Assembly for passing legislation to discourage reckless driving and increase funding for trauma care in Georgia,” said Governor Perdue. “The Super Speeder bill will make our roads safer and save lives.”.....http://gapublicsafety.blogspot.com/2009/03/governor-perdue-commends-passage-of.html

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Governor Perdue Announces Stimulus Accountability Website

Governor Sonny Perdue announced yesterday the launch of the state’s stimulus accountability website, www.stimulusaccountability.ga.gov. The website provides details on the state’s use of funds made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

“The accountability website will allow all Georgians to hold their state government responsible for how we spend their tax dollars,” said Governor Perdue. “I want to be able to point to concrete results when my grandchildren ask me how we spent stimulus money.”

The website allows Georgians to view a video of Governor Perdue’s directives to state agency leaders given during a meeting last month. A direct link to each state agency is available from the site and agency contacts are provided who can answer questions regarding funding, timelines, the grant process and other issues. The Department of Transportation has launched a specific stimulus webpage that is linked from the agency’s homepage, which is available via the agency contact page as well. Georgia’s site also provides details on provisions of the ARRA.

The website also provides a link to allow Georgians to report fraud and abuse to the Office of the State Inspector General. Lastly, the site includes links to federal and local governments and associations that will play a role in receiving stimulus dollars.

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State of Georgia and Georgia State University to Promote Problem Gambling Awareness

For most, gambling can be harmless entertainment. But for others, gambling is a problem that affects their financial well-being, their jobs, and their relationships.

Georgia State University’s Pathological Gambling Intervention Project is collaborating with the Georgia Department of Human Resources and the office of Gov. Sonny Perdue to reach out to those impacted by problem gambling during National Problem Gambling Awareness Week March 1-7.

Problem gambling occurs when someone’s gambling adversely affects a person’s well-being, including relationships, family, financial standing and career. This may lead to compulsive gambling — a psychological disorder where a gambler has become preoccupied with gambling to the point that he or she has lost control over it.

The Georgia State project is promoting awareness and outreach through a video public service announcement campaign on video monitors located on MARTA trains and buses, in addition to billboards throughout metro Atlanta targeting at-risk groups, including college students, offender populations and youth.

Youth and college students represent two of the fastest growing populations of problem gamblers, said James Emshoff, director of the Georgia State Pathological Gambling Intervention Project.

“With youth, problem gambling has increased due to the prolific nature of gambling in our society, which has not only increased in terms of tolerance and acceptance, but also glorification,” Emshoff explained, noting the popularity of televised poker tournaments and its impact on American culture. “Although illegal, on-line gambling provides access for youth who are not old enough to enter casinos.

“When you see gambling on TV, you only see winners,” he explained. “Even those who ‘lose’ in televised tournaments will win at least some money, but you don't see the people who staked a lot of money in tournaments but lost it all in the early rounds before the TV coverage picks up.”
A 2007 Georgia State study by Emshoff and his research team showed that almost 88 percent of Georgia residents have gambled at least once in their lifetime; about 4 percent of adult Georgians could be considered lifetime problem or compulsive gamblers.

Other Georgia State project activities include support of college- and faith-based counseling programs, research on the gambling behavior of offenders, and collaboration with a statewide veterans’ initiative that focuses on problem gambling.

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Keep Georgia Safe to Sponsor Child Abduction Response Team Training

/PRNewswire/ -- In support of Gov. Sonny Perdue's executive mandate for immediate and deliberate statewide response to missing and endangered children, Keep Georgia Safe, a private, non-profit organization that provides safety and crime prevention training and operates the only wireless network that sends all three Georgia emergency alerts for missing or dangerous persons, will sponsor Child Abduction Response Team (CART) training March 2-5, 2009.

The CART training program is a multi-disciplinary approach to responding to a missing or abducted child incident. The program, to be held at Gwinnett Convention Center, taught by Fox Valley Technical College in partnership with the US Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, and funded by Keep Georgia Safe, is designed to train local law enforcement agencies on the state's response to child abductions.

"Statistics indicate that the first three hours of a child abduction are the most critical, as the vast majority (74%) of abducted children who are murdered are dead within three hours of the abduction," says Gary Martin Hays, founder and chairman of Keep Georgia Safe. "We are very pleased to sponsor CART training to help prepare our first responders with this vital instruction and provide a safer Georgia for children and families."

"We are pleased that Keep Georgia Safe, a non-profit organization, has agreed to sponsor Child Abduction Response Team (CART) training for local law enforcement in Georgia," says GBI Director Vernon Keenan. "This training is critical in order for agencies to provide an organized and timely response to a child abduction in support of the State of Georgia CART program. Considering the present economic crisis facing our State, it is key that the private sector work in conjunction with law enforcement to protect Georgia's children."

CART reduces the amount of time that is needed to locate resources and initiate the search for missing and abducted children. Gov. Perdue signed an executive order April 29, 2008, to form CART teams in Georgia.

"The training being offered and funded by Keep Georgia Safe will ensure our state's law enforcement community has the proper training to deal with serious situations such as child abduction," says Gov. Sonny Perdue. "I want to commend GBI Director Vernon Keenan and Keep Georgia Safe for partnering on this needed program."

Keep Georgia Safe has a two-pronged approach to crime prevention: 1) Proactive: Safety education including School Curriculum Initiative, CART training, Community Safety Seminars, Web Resources and Media Campaigns 2) Reactive: Alert System Network. As the only organization that sends out all three of Georgia's emergency alerts, the Keep Georgia Safe Wireless Network uses a text platform to notify opt-in wireless subscribers when the GBI issues any of its three emergency alerts:

-- Levi's Call: Georgia's AMBER Alert for an abducted or missing child
-- Mattie's Call: elderly or disabled missing person alert
-- Kimberly's Call: dangerous fugitive alert


Keep Georgia Safe provides the alert service free of charge. To join the network, visit www.keepgeorgiasafe.org and enter your cell phone number. Subscribers will not receive any calls or alerts other than GBI-issued alerts. For more information on Keep Georgia Safe, its alert network or education programs, visit www.keepgeorgiasafe.org or call 770.934.8000.

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Oxendine: Where are the Tax Cuts in this Economy?

Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine today questioned whether government will continue to worsen the pain of the citizens of our nation as politicians fail to embrace the principles that would jump-start this economy such as significant tax cuts.

"All I see elected officials doing is more of the same. Inflicting more grief on our hard-working citizens," Oxendine said. "If they truly understood sound economic principles as did Ronald Reagan and even Democrat John Kennedy, they would stumble over each other to significantly cut taxes. That's how you turn around an economy."

Oxendine pointed to the $790 billion so-called stimulus plan in Congress, a pork-laden spending measure he said will add to our nation's debt and potentially spark inflation in the near future.

"We also don't need to indebt future generations to pay the price for our government's mistakes and its lack of discipline when it comes to taking a knife to spending," Oxendine said.

"This so-called stimulus package is an invitation to expand social spending in our state government, irresponsible temporary solutions to serious issues, and larger state budgets," he said. "Instead of the current "Porkulus Bill," I urge the President and Congress to take steps that support small businesses across America and Georgia. Allow for the tax deduction for a new small business startup cost to double, to $10,000 from its current $5,000. Many people being laid off will be starting small businesses and this action is real stimulus right now," said Oxendine.

Here in Georgia, Oxendine said he is concerned Georgia's 1.7 million homeowners, farmers, and small business owners will see a tax increase later this year. That amount could be even greater if Governor Perdue vetoes legislation passed dealing with property tax relief since the bill made sure homeowners did not have to cover a shortfall in state revenues for this year's budget. If the governor does veto the bill, homeowners would not only have higher property tax bills later this year, but could also receive an additional tax bill of $300 to cover a shortfall for their last year's property tax bills.

"The party of less taxes and less government should get this one basic concept," Oxendine said. "In this tough, tough economy, when layoffs are happening every day, you absolutely do not ask taxpayers to pony up more money to fund government. You cut spending, period. You only fund services that are required by the Constitution. And we all know we have many services that aren't what the founders of this nation or this state envisioned taxpayers to be paying for."

"It is unfair for state officials to posture themselves as being a friend to counties, cities, and school boards when they are passing along unfunded mandates from Washington and the state Capitol," Oxendine said. "Our county commissioners, mayors and city council members are good people who deserve a state government that is a partner not an obstacle to local control."

John Oxendine
Oxendine for Governor 2010

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Gov. Perdue Announces Forestry for Wildlife Partners

Gov. Sonny Perdue recognized two corporate forest landowners in Georgia this week for their stewardship in land management and practices benefiting the state’s wildlife.

Plum Creek and Georgia Power received awards Wednesday, Jan. 21, for participating in the 2008 Forestry for Wildlife Partnership, a program administered by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division. The Forestry for Wildlife Partnership is a voluntary annual program that promotes blending wildlife conservation into corporate forestry practices and offers choices from which landowners can build a program compatible with their forest management objectives.

“This is an excellent example of a public-private partnership in the conservation of Georgia’s precious natural resources,” Perdue said. “I commend both Georgia Power and Plum Creek for their outstanding stewardship that will benefit generations to come.”

The companies have helped improve a total of 937,700 acres for wildlife. Wildlife Resources recognized the two as Forestry for Wildlife Partners for integrating wildlife conservation practices into their forest management programs. Some of the practices included:

· Preparing wildlife conservation plans that detail natural resources inventories and outline management strategies that combine forest and wildlife aspects.

· Providing internal training opportunities for employees on how to blend forestland management with wildlife-friendly practices for multiple natural resource benefits.

· Incorporating wildlife management techniques into current land-use planning and timber management practices.

· Providing valuable data for Wildlife Resources research projects.

· Providing public recreational opportunities on corporate forestlands.

· Participating in partnerships with conservation organizations through programs such as Partners in Flight, the Longleaf Alliance, the state Breeding Bird Atlas, and the Georgia Amphibians and Reptiles Atlas.

· Managing riparian forests for wildlife use and water quality protection.

Habitat is the key to wildlife abundance. Georgia has more than 24 million acres of forestland. Of that land base, 93 percent is privately owned. Corporate forest landowners manage 18 percent.

Wildlife Resources Division Director Dan Forster said Plum Creek and Georgia Power “deserve tremendous credit for their recognition of the broad conservation value in their land holdings and operations, and their dedication for improving those values through our Forestry Wildlife Partnership program.”

Conservation efforts benefit from Forestry for Wildlife through management of endangered red-cockaded woodpecker habitats, managing and monitoring bald eagle and swallow-tailed kite nesting, managing isolated wetlands critical to protected reptiles and amphibians like the gopher frog, managing rare remnant Coosa Valley Prairie and Black Belt Prairie habitats containing endangered plants, and providing numerous public hunting opportunities.

All of the conservation enhancement components and reporting procedures are compatible with the American Forest and Paper Association’s Sustainable Forestry Initiative, a voluntary approach within the forest industry to maintain high environmental standards on lands managed by corporate landowners.

Call (770) 761-1697 or go to www.georgiawildlife.com for more information about Forestry for Wildlife or other private lands initiatives.

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Budget Foremost Issue for ’09 Legislative Session

The opening gavel of the 2009 legislative session fell Monday, Jan. 12, with lawmakers pledging to reach across the aisle and close the state’s nearly $2 billion deficit. Clearly, the budget will dominate this year’s session. Gov. Sonny Perdue joked at the annual Eggs and Issues breakfast that the event could have been re-named to just "Eggs and Issue."

Georgia State University President Mark Becker has been making the rounds at the Gold Dome. Becker held one-on-one meetings with House Speaker Glenn Richardson and Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, and is planning more such meetings with House and Senate leadership.

Tuesday, Jan. 13 was dubbed “Georgia State Day” at the capitol. Becker, university administrators, lawmakers and members of the Board of Regents gathered at an event at the Georgia Railroad Depot to talk about Georgia State. Earlier in the week, Georgia State teamed with the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech to throw a barbeque Jan. 8 for legislative interns.

The session will present challenges for higher education. The governor’s budget recommendations, released last week after his State of the State address, show an overall 9 percent reduction for 2009 for the university system, and 10 percent reduction for 2010. University system budget officials will be providing more detailed analysis over the next week.
Sen. Seth Harp (R-Midland) heads the Senate Higher Education Committee. Sen. Bill Hembree (R-Winston) leads the House committee.

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Coca-Cola Enterprises Launches Largest Hybrid Electric Delivery Trucks in North America

Today Governor Sonny Perdue and EPA Deputy Regional Administrator Stan Meiburg joined Coca-Cola Enterprises Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John F. Brock to announce the deployment of the largest hybrid electric delivery trucks in North America.

“I want to commend Coca-Cola Enterprises for receiving this award, and I am proud that this great company relies on Georgia as its home base,” said Governor Perdue. “Their investment in hybrid electric vehicles distinguishes the company amongst its peers and ensures that it remains at the forefront as a true leader in corporate responsibility and sustainability.”

The hybrid electric tractors announced today are the standard bulk delivery truck the company uses for large deliveries. They use about 30 percent less fuel and produce about 30 percent fewer emissions than standard tractors. A motor/generator, working with the transmission and a series of lithium ion batteries, allows the truck to source electrical power instead of gas when traveling at speeds below 30 MPH, reducing emissions and fuel use.

CCE plans to incrementally deploy 185 of the hybrid electric trucks across the United States and Canada in 2009, bringing their total number of hybrid electric delivery trucks to 327, the largest such fleet in North America. The company already has 142 smaller hybrid electric delivery vehicles on the road.

Meiburg, who presented CCE with a leadership award on behalf of the Southeast Diesel Collaborative for the company’s commitment to hybrid vehicles to reduce diesel emissions, added, “EPA is proud to recognize the efforts of Coca-Cola Enterprises to improve air quality and protect public health. Emissions from diesel engines are a serious public health threat and environmental challenge, and reducing these emissions is a priority for EPA.”

“Coca-Cola Enterprises has long been responsive to the needs of our local communities, and the continued expansion of our hybrid-electric fleet here in our hometown of Atlanta and across North America demonstrates our commitment to energy efficiency and climate change,” said Brock. “With the deployment of our newer, larger hybrid delivery vehicles, CCE is continuing to explore ways to help our customers and communities through our corporate responsibility and sustainability efforts. These efforts help us capture operational efficiencies, drive innovation and effectiveness, and eliminate waste while simultaneously protecting the environment.”

Beginning in 2001, CCE began an intensive research and design program with their suppliers to develop, test and produce hybrid electric trucks. The company plans to deploy the large hybrid tractors to: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, Tampa, Toronto, Vancouver, and Washington, DC. Additionally, the company plans to deploy incremental hybrid 12-bay trucks to Albuquerque, Columbus, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, and Montreal.

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