The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) has accepted a preliminary application from Gwinnett County that reserves the fourth of five slots for Briscoe Field under the Airport Privatization Pilot Program. This gives Gwinnett the green light to move forward with the process of selecting a private manager and operator, County officials intend to continue to analyze whether privatization and the potential addition of scheduled passenger air service is in the best interest of Gwinnett residents. There will be substantial opportunities for public participation throughout the process.
Should the County decide to move forward with privatizing the airport after analyzing the potential impacts, two steps would remain. First, the County would negotiate a final operating agreement with a private operator that has demonstrated the financial resources and management capability to improve and operate the airport. And second, the County would submit the final application to the FAA. There is no timeline for the FAA to complete the review of the final application.
The FAA’s final approval is based on a number of conditions, including the private operator’s ability to ensure continued access to the airport on reasonable terms, ensure continued safe operations, ensure continued maintenance and improvements, ensure security, mitigate noise and environmental impacts, and provide for the continued operation of the airport in case of the private operator’s bankruptcy or other defaults.
“The Board of Commissioners and staff are looking forward to launching the lengthy process of studying potential airport operations and management opportunities,” said Board Chairman Charles Bannister. “Like most communities today, Gwinnett is looking to identify significant new revenue sources through efficiencies, user fees and privatization or sale of valuable assets. Any
financial benefit for taxpayers must be balanced with safety and other impacts to our community. In addition to exploring the environmental and economic impacts, we will conduct an extensive community outreach and involvement program. I expect County staff to meet with citizens and other interested parties and stakeholders throughout the process.”
“Today it’s more important than ever for local government to think outside the box about new ways to provide services while saving tax dollars,” said District 1 Commissioner Shirley Lasseter. “The potential privatization of Briscoe Field falls right into that category.”
District 2 Commissioner Bert Nasuti added, “Privatization holds significant revenue potential for the County, and the prospect of airport improvements could boost our economic development efforts in the short-term and for years to come. I believe that community input is important and look forward to the process being inclusive for all concerned.”
“This is the very first part of a long, thorough process of seeking public opinion and reviewing the costs and benefits to the community,” said District 3 Commissioner Mike Beaudreau.
“With the airport located inside my district, I will make sure that community input plays an important role in the decision-making process,” said District 4 Commissioner Kevin Kenerly. “Briscoe Field needs to continue to be an asset to the County as well as a good neighbor to my constituents.”
Congress authorized the pilot program in 1996 “to explore privatization as a means of generating access to sources of private capital for airport improvement and development.” Chosen airports would be exempt from repaying federal loans invested in their facilities.
Briscoe Field has a 6,021-foot runway on 500 acres northeast of Lawrenceville. It is capable of handling most corporate jets.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Toilet Rebates Save 54 Million Gallons
Gwinnett residents are now saving 54 million gallons of water every year thanks to a rebate program that started two years ago. The rebates pay homeowners either $50 or $100 for replacing old, inefficient toilets. About 5,000 have been replaced so far.
Water Resources Deputy Director Peter Frank said the more efficient toilets save the average customer about 15 percent on the water bill and help reduce demand for water from Lake Lanier. He said the County has spent about $400,000 on the program since it began and the savings are well worth the investment. The department is budgeting $300,000 each year to pay rebates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Board Chairman Charles Bannister praised county residents for conserving water and urged everyone with a pre-1992 home to take advantage of this effective program. Details and an application are online at www.northgeorgiawater.com or by calling 404.463.8645 or e-mail at toiletrebate@northgeorgiawater.org.
Water Resources also promoted “Fix a Leak Week,” which was March 15 – 21, as an annual reminder to check household plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks. “A single home with dripping faucets and toilets that don’t shut off can waste as much as 10,000 gallons a year,” Frank said. Gwinnett’s annual water use of 26 billion gallons was 18 percent lower last year than in 2007.
---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
---
Water Resources Deputy Director Peter Frank said the more efficient toilets save the average customer about 15 percent on the water bill and help reduce demand for water from Lake Lanier. He said the County has spent about $400,000 on the program since it began and the savings are well worth the investment. The department is budgeting $300,000 each year to pay rebates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Board Chairman Charles Bannister praised county residents for conserving water and urged everyone with a pre-1992 home to take advantage of this effective program. Details and an application are online at www.northgeorgiawater.com or by calling 404.463.8645 or e-mail at toiletrebate@northgeorgiawater.org.
Water Resources also promoted “Fix a Leak Week,” which was March 15 – 21, as an annual reminder to check household plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks. “A single home with dripping faucets and toilets that don’t shut off can waste as much as 10,000 gallons a year,” Frank said. Gwinnett’s annual water use of 26 billion gallons was 18 percent lower last year than in 2007.
---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
---
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Precinct, Poll Location Changes will Affect Almost 42,000 Voters
Gwinnett County will reduce the number of voting precincts from 163 to 155 to save money and operate more efficiently. In about 15 precincts, poll locations will change for various reasons. “These changes will affect about ten percent of Gwinnett voters,” said Elections Director Lynn Ledford, “so we want to notify people that they’ll get an official postcard in the mail if they are affected.”
Early and absentee voting now makes it possible to consolidate some locations without creating long delays on Election Day, Ledford said. Absentee/Early voting ballots are available for 45 days before an election through the Elections Office, 455 Grayson Highway in Lawrenceville. Applications for mail-out ballots are available now for primary election absentee ballots. Details are online at www.gwinnettcounty.com.
Early voting for next summer’s primary election will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on July 12 –16 and for the general election on Oct. 25 – 29. During these weeks, there will be four locations, in addition to the Elections Office, for early voting: Centerville Community Center, Dacula Activity Building, George Pierce Community Center and Lucky Shoals Community Center.
Signs and maps will be posted on Election Day at all old and new polling locations where changes have been made. Poll locations sometimes change based on the availability or cost of using a facility. Most precincts are small enough that new locations will still be relatively close to most voters in that precinct.
Citizens who aren’t registered to vote can get a voter registration form online but must return it by mail or in person. The deadline for registration is June 21 to vote in the primary and Oct. 4 for the general election. Information on how to become a paid poll worker is available at pollofficials@gwinnettcounty.com.
“We understand these changes could cause confusion so we want voters to be aware of the situation. These improvements will help control costs and make us more efficient,” Ledford said.
Early and absentee voting now makes it possible to consolidate some locations without creating long delays on Election Day, Ledford said. Absentee/Early voting ballots are available for 45 days before an election through the Elections Office, 455 Grayson Highway in Lawrenceville. Applications for mail-out ballots are available now for primary election absentee ballots. Details are online at www.gwinnettcounty.com.
Early voting for next summer’s primary election will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on July 12 –16 and for the general election on Oct. 25 – 29. During these weeks, there will be four locations, in addition to the Elections Office, for early voting: Centerville Community Center, Dacula Activity Building, George Pierce Community Center and Lucky Shoals Community Center.
Signs and maps will be posted on Election Day at all old and new polling locations where changes have been made. Poll locations sometimes change based on the availability or cost of using a facility. Most precincts are small enough that new locations will still be relatively close to most voters in that precinct.
Citizens who aren’t registered to vote can get a voter registration form online but must return it by mail or in person. The deadline for registration is June 21 to vote in the primary and Oct. 4 for the general election. Information on how to become a paid poll worker is available at pollofficials@gwinnettcounty.com.
“We understand these changes could cause confusion so we want voters to be aware of the situation. These improvements will help control costs and make us more efficient,” Ledford said.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Flood-Damaged Bridges Repair Costs Approved
Emergency repairs to three roadway bridges damaged in the floods last September were officially ratified by the Gwinnett Board of Commissioners on Tuesday.
The work began immediately under emergency contracts issued to minimize road closings following the flood. Two were completed and opened to traffic within 30 days and the third, while remaining open to traffic, is now nearing completion. E.R. Snell Contractor, Inc. was the low responsive bidder on all three contracts for a total of $1.15 million.
The three bridges are located on Garner Road over Garner Creek, Martin Nash Road over Turkey Creek and Club Drive over Sweetwater Creek.
Gwinnett DOT Director Brian Allen said the work was initially paid for with 2009 SPLOST funds although the County expects to receive reimbursement from federal disaster-recovery funds. “We greatly appreciate the ability of our contractors to get started immediately on emergency repairs so we can keep our roads open and safe for Gwinnett motorists,” Allen said.
---
Community News You Can Use
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
---
The work began immediately under emergency contracts issued to minimize road closings following the flood. Two were completed and opened to traffic within 30 days and the third, while remaining open to traffic, is now nearing completion. E.R. Snell Contractor, Inc. was the low responsive bidder on all three contracts for a total of $1.15 million.
The three bridges are located on Garner Road over Garner Creek, Martin Nash Road over Turkey Creek and Club Drive over Sweetwater Creek.
Gwinnett DOT Director Brian Allen said the work was initially paid for with 2009 SPLOST funds although the County expects to receive reimbursement from federal disaster-recovery funds. “We greatly appreciate the ability of our contractors to get started immediately on emergency repairs so we can keep our roads open and safe for Gwinnett motorists,” Allen said.
---
Community News You Can Use
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
---
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Manholes Being Used for Illegal Dumping
Gwinnett County is asking for help from the public to catch people who are prying up sewer system manhole covers to dump various kinds of waste.
“People have been dumping everything from grease and chemicals to septic tank pumping,” said Acting Director of Water Resources Lynn Smarr. “It’s not only illegal but it’s also dangerous for the perpetrators and our employees. We’re asking anyone who sees suspicious activity to report it immediately.”
Residents can call Gwinnett Police at 770.513.5100 or Water Resources at 678.376.7000. Both lines are staffed 24 hours a day. County vehicles are clearly marked and Water Resources employees wear uniforms.
“Tough economic times lead people to do things they wouldn’t normally do,” said Deputy Director Tyler Richards. “We all need to be vigilant to protect public health and safety.”
“As environmental regulations get tighter, we’ve got to be strict about enforcing illegal dumping laws,” added Smarr.
---
Community News You Can Use
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
---
“People have been dumping everything from grease and chemicals to septic tank pumping,” said Acting Director of Water Resources Lynn Smarr. “It’s not only illegal but it’s also dangerous for the perpetrators and our employees. We’re asking anyone who sees suspicious activity to report it immediately.”
Residents can call Gwinnett Police at 770.513.5100 or Water Resources at 678.376.7000. Both lines are staffed 24 hours a day. County vehicles are clearly marked and Water Resources employees wear uniforms.
“Tough economic times lead people to do things they wouldn’t normally do,” said Deputy Director Tyler Richards. “We all need to be vigilant to protect public health and safety.”
“As environmental regulations get tighter, we’ve got to be strict about enforcing illegal dumping laws,” added Smarr.
---
Community News You Can Use
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
---
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Briscoe Field: Preliminary Application to Privatize
Gwinnett County is beginning the process to study the idea of privatizing its airport in Lawrenceville. On Tuesday, Jan. 19, the Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution that will direct staff to submit a preliminary application to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pursuant to the FAA’s Airport Privatization Pilot Program.
Congress authorized the pilot program in 1997 “to explore privatization as a means of generating access to… private capital for airport improvement and development.” Only five airports can qualify under the FAA’s Airport Privatization Pilot Program. Chosen airports would be exempt from repaying federal loans invested in their facilities.
On Thursday, officials issued a Request for Qualifications for a consultant to help prepare a preliminary application to the FAA. If the resolution is approved on Tuesday, the County will select a consultant next month and will submit a preliminary application to the FAA to express interest in the program. The preliminary application will identify the project objectives, describe the proposed process and timetables, and supply current financial and operations statements, but would not commit the County to proceed with a final application. The study process will help the board decide if privatization and eventual commercialization of Briscoe Field is in the best interest of Gwinnett County. The FAA must accept the preliminary application before the County can proceed with the process.
Board Chairman Charles Bannister said, “We are just beginning a lengthy procedure that will include a thorough public involvement process in addition to environmental and economic studies as we move forward. The final application would not be submitted for at least a year.”
District 1 Commissioner Shirley Lasseter said, “No matter the outcome of the vote on Tuesday, I am proud of my fellow board members for thinking outside the box and looking for new ways of providing needed services without negatively impacting taxpayers.”
“I will give careful consideration to the resolution on next week’s agenda because of the economic potential associated with privatization,” added District 2 Commissioner Bert Nasuti.
“While I think privatization of Briscoe Field could be the right choice for Gwinnett taxpayers and residents who travel, it is also clear there is a lot of due diligence to take before a final decision can be made,” said District 3 Commissioner Mike Beaudreau. “I am hopeful that commercialization of the airport would encourage more economic growth in our community.”
“The airport lies in my district, so it is important to me that the privatization study will include plenty of opportunities for public input,” said District 4 Commissioner Kevin Kenerly. “Briscoe Field must continue to be a good neighbor to my constituents.”
Briscoe Field has a 6,021-foot runway on 500 acres northeast of Lawrenceville. Improved in 1991, it can handle most corporate jets. Last summer, a private investment group approached the county with a privatization proposal that envisions as many as 10 commercial flights a day.
---
Community News You Can Use
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
---
Congress authorized the pilot program in 1997 “to explore privatization as a means of generating access to… private capital for airport improvement and development.” Only five airports can qualify under the FAA’s Airport Privatization Pilot Program. Chosen airports would be exempt from repaying federal loans invested in their facilities.
On Thursday, officials issued a Request for Qualifications for a consultant to help prepare a preliminary application to the FAA. If the resolution is approved on Tuesday, the County will select a consultant next month and will submit a preliminary application to the FAA to express interest in the program. The preliminary application will identify the project objectives, describe the proposed process and timetables, and supply current financial and operations statements, but would not commit the County to proceed with a final application. The study process will help the board decide if privatization and eventual commercialization of Briscoe Field is in the best interest of Gwinnett County. The FAA must accept the preliminary application before the County can proceed with the process.
Board Chairman Charles Bannister said, “We are just beginning a lengthy procedure that will include a thorough public involvement process in addition to environmental and economic studies as we move forward. The final application would not be submitted for at least a year.”
District 1 Commissioner Shirley Lasseter said, “No matter the outcome of the vote on Tuesday, I am proud of my fellow board members for thinking outside the box and looking for new ways of providing needed services without negatively impacting taxpayers.”
“I will give careful consideration to the resolution on next week’s agenda because of the economic potential associated with privatization,” added District 2 Commissioner Bert Nasuti.
“While I think privatization of Briscoe Field could be the right choice for Gwinnett taxpayers and residents who travel, it is also clear there is a lot of due diligence to take before a final decision can be made,” said District 3 Commissioner Mike Beaudreau. “I am hopeful that commercialization of the airport would encourage more economic growth in our community.”
“The airport lies in my district, so it is important to me that the privatization study will include plenty of opportunities for public input,” said District 4 Commissioner Kevin Kenerly. “Briscoe Field must continue to be a good neighbor to my constituents.”
Briscoe Field has a 6,021-foot runway on 500 acres northeast of Lawrenceville. Improved in 1991, it can handle most corporate jets. Last summer, a private investment group approached the county with a privatization proposal that envisions as many as 10 commercial flights a day.
---
Community News You Can Use
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
---
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Engage Gwinnett to Meet Thursday
The volunteers who serve on Engage Gwinnett, the citizens committee on the future of Gwinnett County, will meet again on Thursday from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Gwinnett Center in Duluth. The initiative aims to involve and engage the community in county budget decision-making.
The 40-member citizens committee created last September has formed smaller work groups to study specific service areas. The full committee meets every two weeks to hear from elected officials, County staff and local residents during a six-month process. All meetings are open to the public.
In April 2010, the group will make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners on desired services, service levels and revenues for the next five years. The initiative is a partnership between county government and the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. Volunteer leaders Mike Levengood of McKenna Long & Aldridge and Bill McCargo, formerly with CISCO Systems, co-chair the committee. Engage Gwinnett seeks common ground, workable solutions and compromises as necessary for the greater good of the community to help guide the County government through the recession and its aftermath.
The process will include at least 12 full committee meetings and three public forums. Video coverage, meeting materials and more information are available online at www.engagegwinnett.com and at www.gwinnettcounty.com and on TVgwinnett, cable channel 23. Engage Gwinnett also has Facebook and Twitter links.
Meeting agenda follows below:
Engage Gwinnett Agenda
December 3, 2009
Welcome and introductions Bill McCargo and Mike Levengood, Co-Chairs
Millage rate update Aaron Bovos
Report from the Work Groups Work Group Spokespersons
Overview of today’s work Jon Abercrombie, facilitator
Work Groups breakout sessions Work Groups
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---
The 40-member citizens committee created last September has formed smaller work groups to study specific service areas. The full committee meets every two weeks to hear from elected officials, County staff and local residents during a six-month process. All meetings are open to the public.
In April 2010, the group will make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners on desired services, service levels and revenues for the next five years. The initiative is a partnership between county government and the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce. Volunteer leaders Mike Levengood of McKenna Long & Aldridge and Bill McCargo, formerly with CISCO Systems, co-chair the committee. Engage Gwinnett seeks common ground, workable solutions and compromises as necessary for the greater good of the community to help guide the County government through the recession and its aftermath.
The process will include at least 12 full committee meetings and three public forums. Video coverage, meeting materials and more information are available online at www.engagegwinnett.com and at www.gwinnettcounty.com and on TVgwinnett, cable channel 23. Engage Gwinnett also has Facebook and Twitter links.
Meeting agenda follows below:
Engage Gwinnett Agenda
December 3, 2009
Welcome and introductions Bill McCargo and Mike Levengood, Co-Chairs
Millage rate update Aaron Bovos
Report from the Work Groups Work Group Spokespersons
Overview of today’s work Jon Abercrombie, facilitator
Work Groups breakout sessions Work Groups
---
Community News You Can Use
Follow us on Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
www.PoliticalPotluck.com
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
---
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
