ATLANTA— House Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) today announced the appointment of State Representative Rick Austin (R-Demorest) to the Joint Committee on Water Supply.
“I am honored be the only freshman representative chosen by Speaker Ralston to serve on this important committee,” said Representative Austin. “Water resources, and particularly the management of those resources, are quickly becoming one of the top issues facing Georgia. I look forward to working with my House and Senate colleagues in creating a long-term water policy for our state that satisfies our growing needs while still maintaining the integrity and independence of our river basins in northeast Georgia.”
The ten-member Joint Committee on Water Supply was created under Senate Bill 370, which was signed into law June 1, 2010 by Governor Sonny Perdue. Rep. Austin is one of five state Representatives selected by Speaker Ralston. State Representatives Lynn Smith (R-Newnan), Bob Hanner (D-Parrott), Randy Nix (R-LaGrange), and Harry Geisinger (R-Roswell) were also named to the committee by Speaker Ralston. The remaining five members are subject to appointment by the Lieutenant Governor.
“The management of our state’s water resources continues to be one of the top issues facing our state,” said Speaker David Ralston. “The House members appointed to this committee will play a key role as we continue to shape Georgia’s long-term water policy.”
The Joint Committee on Water Supply is charged with examining and analyzing the current status of Georgia’s reservoir system. The members will conduct a comprehensive analysis of the state’s strategic needs for additional water supply, including the identification of financing options for water reservoirs and other opportunities for water supply enhancement.
For more information on Senate Bill 370, please click here.
Representative Rick Austin, PhD. represents the citizens of House District 10, which includes Habersham County and portions of White County. He was first elected into the House of Representatives in 2008, and currently serves on the Children & Youth, Education, Motor Vehicles, Ways and Means, and Appropriations committees.
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