Chamber meets leaders at nation’s capitol
Infrastructure needs at Martin Bridge addressed
BY ANGELA GARY
Banks County leaders returned from a trip to the nation’s capitol last week with some hope that the $5 million the late Congressman Charlie Norwood allocated for the county for infrastructure improvements at the Martin Bridge Road exit will still come to the county.
Norwood fought for the county to receive the funds and it was added to the budget in 2006. However, shortly before Norwood’s death he learned that the funds had been put on hold. Banks County leaders traveled to Washington, D.C., last week to speak with congressmen and senators about the status of the funds, as well as other concerns impacting the county.
Banks County leaders are planning a wastewater treatment plant for the Martin Bridge exit, which is the last undeveloped exit on I-85. The project is an effort by county leaders to bring economic development to the county. A portion of the project will be funded with special purpose local option sales tax funds.
The 15–member delegation met with Sen. Johnny Isakson, Sen. Saxby Chambliss and Congressman Paul Broun to ask for support to get the money to the county.
“When you spend your time and money to come talk to us about your issues, it means a lot more to us than all of the high-powered lobbyists you can send,” Chambliss said. “We really appreciate y’all taking the time to come visit with us.”
Chambliss said that some senators and congressmen don’t support any funds that are “earmarked” for local projects, but he said he is not in that category. Chambliss said he only endorses “earmarked projects” that he believes would benefit the state.
“Every earmark I’ve ever requested, I would be proud to stand on the courthouse square in Homer and tell everybody that it would be good for the state,” he said. “…We’re in the early stages of the appropriation process. Your visit up here is timely. We will be in touch with you as we go through this process.”
Sen. Isakson said the funds for the Banks County project have been authorized and the next step is for all of the projects in the water bill to be prioritized. He pledged his support to look into this further.
Congressman Broun said he wanted to help the county with economic development but added that he does not support “earmarked” funds.
“I’m very eager to be your partner in economic development,” he said. “Infrastructure improvements is critical. We need a lot of economic development throughout our district…If we just write a check, it would be easy but we can’t just write a check…I’ll do whatever I can to help you find financing…There are a number of us who are trying to stop spending in the federal government…I am one of those…There are other means of getting the funds instead of earmarks. I can’t promise that we will get the money but I will do everything I can through the normal budget process…We will do everything we can do get you the money. I just can’t do it through an earmark…We have to have some earmark reform…so that we have money for good projects. I can’t personally do it through an earmark because I’m trying to cut spending.”
OTHER ISSUES
Other issues discussed by the Banks delegation included the county’s lack of telecommunications. Business owner Jerry Boling asked for any assistance with programs, grants of business incentives to improve this situation.
“We will look for opportunities on the broadband,” Isakson said.
Chambliss pointed out that low interest loans are available for cable companies to expand into rural areas. He said rural development funds are also available through the USDA for telecommunications.
County extension agent Bob Waldorf spoke on agriculture issues impacting the county, including dead bird disposal and the need for a facility for horse shows and other events.
“I’ve got a great suggestion for you on the dead chickens,” Isakson said. He said a middle Georgia poultry farmer opened an alligator farm to handle his dead bird disposal.
“An alligator is a tremendous disposal unit,” he said. “I’m serious.”
Waldorf also spoke on the need for a multi-use center that could be used for horse events, area and regional livestock shows and as an emergency shelter.
Family Connections Robin Trotter thanked the representatives for the funds that went to the community health center in Homer.
FIFTH TRIP
This is the fifth year the Banks County Chamber of Commerce has organized the trip to Washington, D.C.
Those county leaders going on the trip were: Gene Hart, board of commission chairman; Robin Trotter, Family Connections director; Angela Sheppard, county administrative officer ; Tara Fulcher, chamber of commerce director; Bob Waldorf, county extension agent; Clyde McArthur, Banks County Planning Commission member; Helen Hewell, chamber president; and Martha Threatt, chamber member.
Business leaders who went on trip included: Jerry Boling, Document Destruction Services Inc.; Megan Martin, Document Destruction; Beau Sheppard, Regions Bank; Todd Hubbard, Jackson Electric Membership Corporation; and Angela Gary, The Banks County News. Josh Smith, a Toccoa Falls student, and Matt Stout, Rep. Paul Broun’s Toccoa office staff member, will also accompany the group.
