Construction will begin soon on another piece of the Ivy Creek Greenway trail. Currently one section of the Greenway is already complete and extends from the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center to the Mall of Georgia.
Commissioners on Tuesday approved trail construction within George Pierce Park that will connect the city’s Suwanee Creek Greenway to the existing multi-use trails in the county park. There will be a trailhead near the adult softball parking lot with benches and signage, almost a mile of paved, multi-purpose trail with retaining walls, and 1,850 feet of boardwalk with scenic overlooks. New concrete steps near the lower parking area for the soccer fields will connect to an existing gravel trail.
District 1 Commissioner Shirley Lasseter said, “I’m excited that we are able to move forward with another phase of this long-planned recreation project with funding from the 2005 SPLOST program. This trail is an excellent example of coordination between the city and the County to connect greenways that our citizens will enjoy using.”
JD James, Inc., submitted the low bid for the trail project at $1.02 million.
---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
Facebook: http://facebook.com/ArtsAcrossGA
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Gwinnett 2011 Budget Process is Underway
Six Gwinnett residents will serve on the Chairman’s budget review committee to help set priorities and seek ways to prioritize spending in county government operations and capital improvement plans. Board of Commissioners Chairman Charles Bannister announced the six members on Tuesday, saying he increased the number from two in previous years in response to rising public interest.
The committee members are: Sam Brownlee, retired Fulton County Administrator; attorney Dan King of King and Spalding; attorney Michael Levengood of McKenna Long and Aldridge; Laurie McClain, a CPA with McClain & Company, PC; Southern Company’s Herman Pennamon; and Wayne Sikes, Gwinnett Hospital System board member. Both Brownlee and Sikes are veterans of the budget review committee while the four newest members all served on the Engage Gwinnett citizens committee for the future of Gwinnett.
Each County department and agency will present its business plan including needed financial resources to Bannister, his review committee and designated County staff on Oct. 6, 7 and 8 at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center. The County will videotape those presentations and make them available to the public on its government access cable TV channel and on demand anytime through the website, www.gwinnettcounty.com.
“We intend to present a preliminary budget to the Board on Nov. 16, and I will publish my proposed 2011 budget by Dec.1,” Bannister said. The Board traditionally adopts the final budget in early January.
Chief Financial Officer Aaron Bovos noted that the 2011 process will continue to provide a great opportunity to align resources with prioritized services. Decreases in revenues for the County continue to be anticipated in fiscal year 2011. The County’s 2010 budget totals $1.56 billion after revisions that were due to a $31 million revenue shortfall.
“As we rebuild our 2011 through 2015 financial plan, we'll mindfully consider the Engage Gwinnett committee recommendations,” said Bannister. “We must maintain existing assets before we can expand services.”
---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP
The committee members are: Sam Brownlee, retired Fulton County Administrator; attorney Dan King of King and Spalding; attorney Michael Levengood of McKenna Long and Aldridge; Laurie McClain, a CPA with McClain & Company, PC; Southern Company’s Herman Pennamon; and Wayne Sikes, Gwinnett Hospital System board member. Both Brownlee and Sikes are veterans of the budget review committee while the four newest members all served on the Engage Gwinnett citizens committee for the future of Gwinnett.
Each County department and agency will present its business plan including needed financial resources to Bannister, his review committee and designated County staff on Oct. 6, 7 and 8 at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center. The County will videotape those presentations and make them available to the public on its government access cable TV channel and on demand anytime through the website, www.gwinnettcounty.com.
“We intend to present a preliminary budget to the Board on Nov. 16, and I will publish my proposed 2011 budget by Dec.1,” Bannister said. The Board traditionally adopts the final budget in early January.
Chief Financial Officer Aaron Bovos noted that the 2011 process will continue to provide a great opportunity to align resources with prioritized services. Decreases in revenues for the County continue to be anticipated in fiscal year 2011. The County’s 2010 budget totals $1.56 billion after revisions that were due to a $31 million revenue shortfall.
“As we rebuild our 2011 through 2015 financial plan, we'll mindfully consider the Engage Gwinnett committee recommendations,” said Bannister. “We must maintain existing assets before we can expand services.”
---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP
Friday, September 10, 2010
GEHC Selected to Participate in Whole Foods Market 5% Day
Shoppers at John’s Creek/Duluth Store Will Support GEHC on September 14th
Did you know that you can make a difference at the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center (GEHC) when you purchase your cereal, produce and other groceries at Whole Foods Market in John’s Creek/Duluth?
The Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Foundation is pleased to announce that it has been selected to participate in Whole Foods Market’s 5% Day Giving Program.
By shopping at the John’s Creek/Duluth Whole Foods Market on Tuesday, September 14, 2010, five percent of the store’s total pre-tax sales for the day will go to the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Foundation.
“All of us at the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center are so excited to partner with Whole Foods Market. This very generous donation will assist the Center in promoting environmental education and sharing knowledge of sustainability,” said Jason West, Director of Development for the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Foundation.
Through its education programs, the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center reaches more than 40,000 students in its efforts to inspire and engage them in solving tomorrow’s environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development practices and new technologies.
“Whole Foods Market 5% Day is dedicated to helping non-profit organizations in the local community. Our focus is to support innovative groups that strive to make the world a better place,” said Kubeshni Moodley, Marketing Team Leader at the John’s Creek/Duluth Whole Foods Market.
“Our friends at the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center share our vision of a better world and work to educate the public about ways they can make a difference in the environment, “added Moodley.
West encourages all GEHC supporters and friends to shop at the John’s Creek/Duluth Whole Foods Market on September 14th. Program specialists from GEHC will be at the store with activities for families.
“I want the GEHC to be well represented that day, so invite all of your neighbors and friends to shop. The more shoppers, the more of a donation to environmental awareness,” said West.
For directions to the John’s Creek/Duluth Whole Foods Market, visit http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/StoreLocations.php?storeabbr=DUL
The store is located at 5495 State Bridge Road, Duluth, GA 30097. Store hours are 8:00 AM until 10:00 PM.
For more information about the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center, visit www.gwinnettehc.org.
About the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Foundation
The Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center (Center) is a unique partnership among Gwinnett County, Gwinnett County Public Schools, the University of Georgia, and the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Foundation. The Center provides an opportunity for more than 40,000 students and 25,000 community members annually to participate in interpretive, hands-on field studies and community based educational programming. The Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Foundation is a not for profit 501(c)(3) whose purpose is to support the mission and vision of the Center and to assist in raising needed funding for its various educational programs and exhibits.
Did you know that you can make a difference at the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center (GEHC) when you purchase your cereal, produce and other groceries at Whole Foods Market in John’s Creek/Duluth?
The Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Foundation is pleased to announce that it has been selected to participate in Whole Foods Market’s 5% Day Giving Program.
By shopping at the John’s Creek/Duluth Whole Foods Market on Tuesday, September 14, 2010, five percent of the store’s total pre-tax sales for the day will go to the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Foundation.
“All of us at the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center are so excited to partner with Whole Foods Market. This very generous donation will assist the Center in promoting environmental education and sharing knowledge of sustainability,” said Jason West, Director of Development for the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Foundation.
Through its education programs, the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center reaches more than 40,000 students in its efforts to inspire and engage them in solving tomorrow’s environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development practices and new technologies.
“Whole Foods Market 5% Day is dedicated to helping non-profit organizations in the local community. Our focus is to support innovative groups that strive to make the world a better place,” said Kubeshni Moodley, Marketing Team Leader at the John’s Creek/Duluth Whole Foods Market.
“Our friends at the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center share our vision of a better world and work to educate the public about ways they can make a difference in the environment, “added Moodley.
West encourages all GEHC supporters and friends to shop at the John’s Creek/Duluth Whole Foods Market on September 14th. Program specialists from GEHC will be at the store with activities for families.
“I want the GEHC to be well represented that day, so invite all of your neighbors and friends to shop. The more shoppers, the more of a donation to environmental awareness,” said West.
For directions to the John’s Creek/Duluth Whole Foods Market, visit http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/StoreLocations.php?storeabbr=DUL
The store is located at 5495 State Bridge Road, Duluth, GA 30097. Store hours are 8:00 AM until 10:00 PM.
For more information about the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center, visit www.gwinnettehc.org.
About the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Foundation
The Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center (Center) is a unique partnership among Gwinnett County, Gwinnett County Public Schools, the University of Georgia, and the Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Foundation. The Center provides an opportunity for more than 40,000 students and 25,000 community members annually to participate in interpretive, hands-on field studies and community based educational programming. The Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center Foundation is a not for profit 501(c)(3) whose purpose is to support the mission and vision of the Center and to assist in raising needed funding for its various educational programs and exhibits.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
County Establishes Commute Resource Program
Gwinnett officials held a press conference for Department of Transportation’s GC Smart Commute program on Aug. 24. The program provides a resource for Gwinnett residents to view live traffic feeds of heavily-traveled intersections and corridors to plan their daily commute. Speakers included Commission Chairman Charles Bannister and Gwinnett County Department of Transportation Director Brian Allen.
Live feeds show real-time traffic looped for 12 heavily-used intersections and corridors in Gwinnett County during peak hours of commuter traffic; 16 intersections are shown during off-peak hours. GC Smart Commute is currently available for citizens 24/7 at www.gcsmartcommute.com and on TVgwinnett through Gwinnett government access cable channels, weekdays between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. and again between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Chairman Bannister said, “This program is a great resource for Gwinnett commuters and is a step in the right direction toward reducing traffic jams and congestion in the county.”
Cameras were installed to monitor arterial and corridor traffic flow for real-time adjustments from the Gwinnett Traffic Control Center. Approximately 100 cameras are currently operating with a total of 145 expected to be operating within the next year.
The Advanced Transportation Management System/Intelligent Transportation System (ATMS/ITS) and Traffic Control Center enhancements were funded through the 2001 and 2009 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) programs. Gwinnett County installs, maintains and operates all cameras.
Residents can share ideas about GC Smart Commute by calling 770.822.7400 or e-mailing dotcommunityrelations@gwinnettcounty.com.
---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga
---
Also check out :
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
www.HorizonsLTD.com
www.SoftCoolers.com
www.Chair-ity-Event.org
www.ClothesLessTraveled.org
---
Live feeds show real-time traffic looped for 12 heavily-used intersections and corridors in Gwinnett County during peak hours of commuter traffic; 16 intersections are shown during off-peak hours. GC Smart Commute is currently available for citizens 24/7 at www.gcsmartcommute.com and on TVgwinnett through Gwinnett government access cable channels, weekdays between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. and again between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Chairman Bannister said, “This program is a great resource for Gwinnett commuters and is a step in the right direction toward reducing traffic jams and congestion in the county.”
Cameras were installed to monitor arterial and corridor traffic flow for real-time adjustments from the Gwinnett Traffic Control Center. Approximately 100 cameras are currently operating with a total of 145 expected to be operating within the next year.
The Advanced Transportation Management System/Intelligent Transportation System (ATMS/ITS) and Traffic Control Center enhancements were funded through the 2001 and 2009 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) programs. Gwinnett County installs, maintains and operates all cameras.
Residents can share ideas about GC Smart Commute by calling 770.822.7400 or e-mailing dotcommunityrelations@gwinnettcounty.com.
---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga
---
Also check out :
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
www.HorizonsLTD.com
www.SoftCoolers.com
www.Chair-ity-Event.org
www.ClothesLessTraveled.org
---
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Charity Golf Tournament at TPC Sugarloaf to benefit FRIENDS
Savor the Swing! The inaugural FRIENDS Charity Golf Classic at TPC Sugarloaf is scheduled for Monday, August 30, 2010.
Friends of Gwinnett County Senior Services (FRIENDS) is a volunteer-governed non-profit organization that privately supplements core programming needs ranging from home-delivered meals to case management services for Gwinnett Senior Services.
The generosity of presenting sponsor Humana, and major support from Delta Air Lines, Crossroads Hospice, Ernest Communications, Laurel Grove Retirement Community, Primerica, Prudential, and Ritz-Carlton Golf Club & Spa combine to produce a memorable experience for a wonderful cause.
Aside from playing on the course that formerly hosted the PGA Tour’s BellSouth Classic for many years, players will have an opportunity to win prizes from competitions ranging from long-drives to closest-to-the-pin. In addition, they will have live drawing chances to win stay-and-play experiences for four at Cabo San Lucas, Mexico or Ritz-Carlton Golf Club and Spa in Jupiter, FL. Where else can you vie to win first-class round trip domestic Delta Air Lines tickets or a round of golf for four at TPC Sawgrass?
Proceeds from this extraordinary event will help to sponsor senior meals, assist with emergency situations, and provide materials for critical home repairs or maintenance issues. FRIENDS has raised funds to be able to donate six fully-equipped Meals on Wheels vehicles to Gwinnett County government, thus meeting the service demands for the second-largest senior population in Georgia.
Step to the tee at TPC Sugarloaf to savor the swing and support FRIENDS by contacting Gary Galloway at 770.822.8837 or by e-mail at gary.galloway@gwinnettcounty.com.
---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga
---
Also check out :
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
www.HorizonsLTD.com
www.SoftCoolers.com
www.Chair-ity-Event.org
www.ClothesLessTraveled.org
---
Friends of Gwinnett County Senior Services (FRIENDS) is a volunteer-governed non-profit organization that privately supplements core programming needs ranging from home-delivered meals to case management services for Gwinnett Senior Services.
The generosity of presenting sponsor Humana, and major support from Delta Air Lines, Crossroads Hospice, Ernest Communications, Laurel Grove Retirement Community, Primerica, Prudential, and Ritz-Carlton Golf Club & Spa combine to produce a memorable experience for a wonderful cause.
Aside from playing on the course that formerly hosted the PGA Tour’s BellSouth Classic for many years, players will have an opportunity to win prizes from competitions ranging from long-drives to closest-to-the-pin. In addition, they will have live drawing chances to win stay-and-play experiences for four at Cabo San Lucas, Mexico or Ritz-Carlton Golf Club and Spa in Jupiter, FL. Where else can you vie to win first-class round trip domestic Delta Air Lines tickets or a round of golf for four at TPC Sawgrass?
Proceeds from this extraordinary event will help to sponsor senior meals, assist with emergency situations, and provide materials for critical home repairs or maintenance issues. FRIENDS has raised funds to be able to donate six fully-equipped Meals on Wheels vehicles to Gwinnett County government, thus meeting the service demands for the second-largest senior population in Georgia.
Step to the tee at TPC Sugarloaf to savor the swing and support FRIENDS by contacting Gary Galloway at 770.822.8837 or by e-mail at gary.galloway@gwinnettcounty.com.
---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga
---
Also check out :
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
www.HorizonsLTD.com
www.SoftCoolers.com
www.Chair-ity-Event.org
www.ClothesLessTraveled.org
---
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Gwinnett Commissioners Accept Mid-Year Budget
A revised fiscal year 2010 budget was approved by the Gwinnett Board of Commissioners on Tuesday. This customary process adjusts the current year’s spending plan to address changes that have taken place since the Board adopted the 2010 budget in January. This year’s reconciliation budget includes declining property values that produced a $31 million shortfall.
“I’m pleased to announce that this budget gets us through 2010 without additional service cuts,” said Chairman Charles Bannister. “It doesn’t balance projected budgets for future years, but County staff is working on additional measures to ensure Gwinnett’s long-term financial strength. As we rebuild our 2011 through 2015 financial plan, we’ll focus on core services and mindfully consider the Engage Gwinnett committee recommendations.”
The revised budget totals $1.56 billion. CFO Aaron Bovos noted that most of the changes within the County’s financial plan relate to the capital project funds as a result of carrying unspent project balances forward from 2009. The capital plan also includes a $49.4 million reduction as a result of sales tax (SPLOST) revenues being below projections.
The revised operating budget totals $1.01 billion, which takes into account the impacts of declining property values and the subsequent decrease in property tax revenue. Ambulance service fees were also down along with alcohol-related taxes and fire permits.
Property tax revenue from a millage rate increase late last year will provide $18 million to help reduce this year’s deficit as recommended by Engage Gwinnett and allows $21.2 million to be applied to reduce accrued liabilities. An additional $10 million is planned to be used to pay outstanding debt and $5 million will complete a commitment to the Gwinnett Hospital Authority. This one-time property tax revenue came from a March 2010 billing that made up the difference between a temporary millage rate billed in August 2009 and the final tax rate set in December 2009.
“Using a portion of the one-time tax revenue to balance the 2010 budget frees County leaders to focus on future budget challenges,” said Engage Gwinnett Co-Chairman Mike Levengood. “There are certain to be some tough choices ahead, but many of the Engage Gwinnett recommendations will serve as a roadmap to meet those challenges.”
---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga
---
Also check out :
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
www.HorizonsLTD.com
www.SoftCoolers.com
www.ClothesLessTraveled.org
---
“I’m pleased to announce that this budget gets us through 2010 without additional service cuts,” said Chairman Charles Bannister. “It doesn’t balance projected budgets for future years, but County staff is working on additional measures to ensure Gwinnett’s long-term financial strength. As we rebuild our 2011 through 2015 financial plan, we’ll focus on core services and mindfully consider the Engage Gwinnett committee recommendations.”
The revised budget totals $1.56 billion. CFO Aaron Bovos noted that most of the changes within the County’s financial plan relate to the capital project funds as a result of carrying unspent project balances forward from 2009. The capital plan also includes a $49.4 million reduction as a result of sales tax (SPLOST) revenues being below projections.
The revised operating budget totals $1.01 billion, which takes into account the impacts of declining property values and the subsequent decrease in property tax revenue. Ambulance service fees were also down along with alcohol-related taxes and fire permits.
Property tax revenue from a millage rate increase late last year will provide $18 million to help reduce this year’s deficit as recommended by Engage Gwinnett and allows $21.2 million to be applied to reduce accrued liabilities. An additional $10 million is planned to be used to pay outstanding debt and $5 million will complete a commitment to the Gwinnett Hospital Authority. This one-time property tax revenue came from a March 2010 billing that made up the difference between a temporary millage rate billed in August 2009 and the final tax rate set in December 2009.
“Using a portion of the one-time tax revenue to balance the 2010 budget frees County leaders to focus on future budget challenges,” said Engage Gwinnett Co-Chairman Mike Levengood. “There are certain to be some tough choices ahead, but many of the Engage Gwinnett recommendations will serve as a roadmap to meet those challenges.”
---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga
---
Also check out :
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
www.HorizonsLTD.com
www.SoftCoolers.com
www.ClothesLessTraveled.org
---
Thursday, May 27, 2010
FAA Aproves Briscoe Field Airport Pre-App
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.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
