Director of Barrow County Public Works Chris Yancey was named to be a part of the Upper Oconee Regional Water Planning Council on Monday.
Yancey’s responsibilities in Barrow County include long-term strategic planning, management of operations in public works, and financial projections for projects and capital improvements.
"Some of the things that we try to address is the efficiency of the water for all of the sections of the region," Yancey said.
Yancey brings 40 years of professional experience in water management along with graduate certifications for Public Works Management from the University of Georgia. He also holds Class 1 Georgia licenses in water and wastewater treatment.
The appointment was a part of sweeping appointments and re-appointments by Governor Brian Kemp to various state boards, authorities, and commissions.
The Upper Oconee water planning region is one of 11 water planning regions in the state of Georgia. The region covers 13 counties and 62 municipalities including Jackson, Barrow, Oconee, and Athens-Clarke Counties.
The council is made up of 18 members who reside in the region and are appointed by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, or the Speaker of the House. According to the state’s 2008 water plan, each region will be “broadly representative” to include agriculture, forestry, industry, commerce, local governments, among other sectors to have input.
To get appointed, the Environmental Protection Division, Department of Agriculture, Department of Community Affairs, and Department of Economic Development collect the names of nominees they believe are qualified to serve on each water planning council. Afterwards, the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, or Speaker consider pre-qualified nominees for appointment.
Newly-appointed members are required to undergo mandatory training and will serve a three-year term.
"One of the most important things that we can all do to help is to know that in the future our water sources are gonna be there to supply and meet the demands and we are going to need water conservation," Yancey said.
