Jack Dozier
04-26-2006, 02:27 PM
Attached is a copy of a letter and detailed comments on the State Water Planning process. These comments were developed by a group of more than 30 organizations which have formed a statewide partnership to provide input into Georgia’s statewide water planning process. I cannot emphasize strongly enough that this letter is intended to bolster and support the planning process. We have gone to great lengths to ensure that it was presented to Dr. Couch, Chair of the Water Council, in that vein.
The following excerpts are taken from our news release, which is also attached:
“Water is a critical issue in Georgia,” said Jack Dozier, Executive Director of the Georgia Association of Water Professionals. “That is why more than 30 water organizations have come together to find solutions. We want to make sure the State has the resources it needs in order to base water policy decisions on sound facts.”
In an April 18 letter to Dr. Carol Couch, chair of the Georgia Water Council, the group lauded Couch for pushing for “more and better facts” as the state develops its water policy framework.
The first phase (now through July 2007) will result in a policy framework for the later development of a statewide water plan (post 2008). During this first phase, the State and its various stakeholder groups will consider changes to state water policies. Given time and funding constraints, this first phase will rely heavily on the State’s existing data relating to water availability, use, areas of stresses, identifying priorities, and the practical impact of various water policy proposals.
“We need to make sure that these facts are in front of policy makers, so they can make informed decisions, “said Mr. Dozier.
As the State moves into the next phase (beginning 2008) this group has underscored the need for the collection of additional data and facts.
The letter accompanied a 10-page memo in which the group said the state should gather the research it already has, determine what important facts are missing and prepare a schedule, scope of work and budget to collect these missing facts.
“We are committed to working with you to come up with a plan that will meet Georgia’s future water needs while protecting human health and the environment,” the letter concluded. “We also stand ready to assist you in seeking funding to enable you to develop a fact-based State Water Plan for Georgia.”
The following excerpts are taken from our news release, which is also attached:
“Water is a critical issue in Georgia,” said Jack Dozier, Executive Director of the Georgia Association of Water Professionals. “That is why more than 30 water organizations have come together to find solutions. We want to make sure the State has the resources it needs in order to base water policy decisions on sound facts.”
In an April 18 letter to Dr. Carol Couch, chair of the Georgia Water Council, the group lauded Couch for pushing for “more and better facts” as the state develops its water policy framework.
The first phase (now through July 2007) will result in a policy framework for the later development of a statewide water plan (post 2008). During this first phase, the State and its various stakeholder groups will consider changes to state water policies. Given time and funding constraints, this first phase will rely heavily on the State’s existing data relating to water availability, use, areas of stresses, identifying priorities, and the practical impact of various water policy proposals.
“We need to make sure that these facts are in front of policy makers, so they can make informed decisions, “said Mr. Dozier.
As the State moves into the next phase (beginning 2008) this group has underscored the need for the collection of additional data and facts.
The letter accompanied a 10-page memo in which the group said the state should gather the research it already has, determine what important facts are missing and prepare a schedule, scope of work and budget to collect these missing facts.
“We are committed to working with you to come up with a plan that will meet Georgia’s future water needs while protecting human health and the environment,” the letter concluded. “We also stand ready to assist you in seeking funding to enable you to develop a fact-based State Water Plan for Georgia.”