Gov. Nathan Deal, House Speaker David Ralston and Lt. Gov Casey Cagle elaborated on their priorities for the 2011 legislative session during the annual Eggs and Issues Breakfast held by the Georgia Chamber.
Deal says he plans to create a competitiveness initiative to identify areas of improvement for economic growth and is also calling for the establishment of education advisory groups.
He also announced the creation a water supply development program that will help municipalities develop the infrastructure for more efficient water usage ahead of the 2012 deadline set by a federal judge to address the water crisis involving Georgia, Alabama and Florida.
The progrram will align and mobilize state resources to assist local governments in developing new sources of water supply.
"With the federal court deadline looming, we must take immediate action on water," Deal said. "Nothing could more quickly handicap our economic growth than an unstable or unpredictable water supply. I've previously announced my plans for building reservoirs, and this is the next step in our long-term planning."
GEFA will convene a Water Supply Program Task Force that will provide expert guidance in program development. As the work progresses, the task force will help ensure that our agencies are working together towards an efficient implementation. The governor has GEFA to enlist members of key stakeholder groups, including representatives of the following state entities:
· Department of Natural Resources
· Environmental Protection Division
· Department of Community Affairs
· Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission, and the
· State Properties Commission
Deal says his water supply development program will help local communities ahead of a 2012 deadline set by a federal judge over use of water in Lake Lanier.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2011/1/235589