As the 2008 Legislative Session rapidly approaches, there are some major issues that look like they will garner much attention. Now is the time for us to really focus on the legislation that will cross our desks, and perhaps become new laws next year. Over the next couple of weeks, I plan to preview some of the important issues that may come before the legislature in the 2008 Session. These issues will likely become the big "talking points" of the upcoming session, and it will be interesting to see them unfold in the General Assembly.
Water Planning
As you know, the state of Georgia, especially our region of North Georgia is in the midst of one of the worst droughts in our history. In 2004, Governor Perdue signed House Bill 237, the Comprehensive Statewide Water Management Planning Act, authorizing the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) to prepare a Statewide Water Management Plan. This summer, EPD presented a draft of their plan to the Water Council, which is made up of lawmakers, state agency heads and citizens. The Water Council is reviewing, modifying and approving the final draft of the statewide plan, and will present the plan to the General Assembly in 2008.
I feel that the Water Management Plan must include all the tools available to maximize our capacity for water storage, especially for times of drought. This includes faster reservoir permitting and funding sources for new reservoir construction. Interbasin transfers should be easy to complete, and the regions must be able to either borrow or purchase water from larger sources outside the region. For example, in our North Georgia area, we should be able to borrow or buy water from the Tennessee River. North Georgia has the second highest amount of average rainfall after the Pacific Northwest, and we need to find more storage for this valuable resource. Another thing to consider is the possibility of the free market improving water management through private sewer plants and private water services. Regardless of how things play out, one thing is clear - some version of a Statewide Water Plan will take effect on July 1, 2008.
Transportation Issues
Often, we hear ideas on how to improve Georgia's roads and highways, and how to fund these improvements. This year, we've heard several proposals to improve our road and highway system, ranging from HOV lanes to HOT lanes to flex lanes to truck-only lanes. We've also seen proposals from the Department of Transportation calling for a major overhaul of our transportation system, including truck-only lanes, mass transit projects, a connector of I-75 and I-85 in north Georgia, the repair of old bridges and other road work. The General Assembly is considering all of these ideas and determining the best funding mechanism possible for any major transportation project.
The Joint Study Committee on Transportation Funding met six times over the summer in Atlanta, Columbus, Dalton, Savannah and Valdosta. Upon conclusion of the meetings, the committee had two working sessions and anticipates one or two more meetings as we consider legislation and a course of action. Among the potential issues that might be before the General Assembly during the 2008 Session are the establishment of a State Infrastructure Bank to use additional means to finance transportation projects, the creation of a Transportation Mobility Trust Fund also to provide dedicated funding to transportation projects, enhancement of the design/build process, the possibility of managed lanes during rush hour traffic on interstates, and further expansion of public/private initiatives. It should be interesting to see what transportation bills are introduced as we head into 2008.
Townships
The Georgia Township Act is a bipartisan measure that could give residents in an unincorporated area a new option when they contemplate incorporation. Under the proposal, residents can vote to form a town that will make critical decisions about land use and local zoning, but they still can continue to benefit from the larger tax base of their county. Basic services such as fire, public safety, water and sanitation would continue to be provided by the county.
These Georgia towns will have distinct boundaries with identifying markers and locally elected Boards of Supervisors, who will come from small districts and thus be closer to the people they represent. Because the obligations of a town will be so limited, the cost of running the new town should be minimal. In addition, every new Georgia town will have a cap on the level of property taxes they can levy and can only be annexed or converted to a city with the approval of its residents. The legislation is now in the House and may come up for a floor vote soon.
In the upcoming weeks, I will continue to discuss the issues that I think will play an important role in the 2008 session, such as Grady Hospital and tax reform. It has become clear that the 2008 Session will be very fast-paced, and we will address several key issues affecting the lives of all of Georgia's citizens. I look forward to input and comments from my constituents on the issues that matter the most. |
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