Last week, Governor Sonny Perdue hosted the first meeting of the newly-formed water contingency task force, which included two individuals from Bulloch County.
Bulloch County Commissioner Jan Tankersley and Ogeechee Technical College Vice-President for Economic Development Benjamin Thompson were selected by the governor to participate in water contingency planning, which is the focus of the task force.
“It's just an honor to serve the state of Georgia on this contingency water task force council,” Tankersley said. “It's an issue that doesn't just impact metro Atlanta.”
Tankersley also serves as the 2009-10 President of the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG). Thompson is also a member of the Coastal Georgia Regional Water Planning Council.
In July, Senior U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson issued a ruling, which said it was illegal for Georgia to draw water from Lake Lanier to service metro Atlanta residents. The first meeting of the task force focused on the history of water litigation and negotiations and discussed Perdue's four-pronged approach to dealing with the judge's ruling.
Governor Perdue applauded the more than 80 leaders from around the state that agree to be a member of his panel.
“I am very appreciative of the time and effort these leaders from across Georgia have committed to the important task at hand,” said Governor Perdue. “I have asked this group to look at any and all possible solutions and let the facts drive their recommendations.”
Tankersley said having two local representatives is meaningful to this area to the state.
“It says that they think Bulloch County is important to the process,” Tankersley said.
Coca-Cola Enterprises Chairman and CEO John Brock and Tim Lowe of Lowe Engineers are serving as co-chairs of the task force, which will meet throughout the fall and present recommendations before the January 2010 legislative session.
Phil Boyum may be reached at (912) 489-9454.
Bulloch County Commissioner Jan Tankersley and Ogeechee Technical College Vice-President for Economic Development Benjamin Thompson were selected by the governor to participate in water contingency planning, which is the focus of the task force.
“It's just an honor to serve the state of Georgia on this contingency water task force council,” Tankersley said. “It's an issue that doesn't just impact metro Atlanta.”
Tankersley also serves as the 2009-10 President of the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG). Thompson is also a member of the Coastal Georgia Regional Water Planning Council.
In July, Senior U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson issued a ruling, which said it was illegal for Georgia to draw water from Lake Lanier to service metro Atlanta residents. The first meeting of the task force focused on the history of water litigation and negotiations and discussed Perdue's four-pronged approach to dealing with the judge's ruling.
Governor Perdue applauded the more than 80 leaders from around the state that agree to be a member of his panel.
“I am very appreciative of the time and effort these leaders from across Georgia have committed to the important task at hand,” said Governor Perdue. “I have asked this group to look at any and all possible solutions and let the facts drive their recommendations.”
Tankersley said having two local representatives is meaningful to this area to the state.
“It says that they think Bulloch County is important to the process,” Tankersley said.
Coca-Cola Enterprises Chairman and CEO John Brock and Tim Lowe of Lowe Engineers are serving as co-chairs of the task force, which will meet throughout the fall and present recommendations before the January 2010 legislative session.
Phil Boyum may be reached at (912) 489-9454.