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Georgia House of Representatives
Public Information Office
Room 505, Legislative Office Building
Atlanta, GA 30334
404-656-5082 1-800-282-5800
For Immediate Release
Atlanta - State Representative Jimmy Skipper (D-Americus) has helped secure $1.75 million for the design and construction of a new marina complex at Lake Blackshear. The funding for the new marina is in the bond section of the House’s $16.2 billion 2004 amended budget, which is a revised spending plan for the current fiscal year that ends June 30th.
Even though the state is facing a revenue shortfall it is important to have economic development, said Skipper. This project will be wonderful for the community and a tool to spur growth for Sumter and Crisp counties. It is also attractive because the way it will be financed will really only cost the State about $152,000 per year, the bonds to finance the project have already been sold, and the money is in the bank.
The project is part of overall improvements that the State has been making at Georgia Veteran State Park over the last 10 years. The most recent additions include a modern meeting facility and a hotel complex built on the site of the old Camp Safety Patrol . The complex is known as the Retreat at Lake Blackshear , and, in addition to meeting facilities and a first class restaurant, the Georgia Veterans Golf Course is also part of the State Park. The new marina will only add to the area and further enhance our economic development and tourism efforts in Southwest Georgia, said Skipper.
Rep Skipper continued, I would like to thank Rep. Johnny Floyd (D-Cordele) for his help and also everyone else who played a role in moving this project forward. I will do all I can to make sure it remains intact through the budget process.
The 2004 amended budget has passed the House and is in the Senate awaiting approval.
Rep. Skipper, a lawmaker since 1990, is the House Majority Leader and serves on the Appropriations, Rules, Special Rules (Policy), Public Utilities and Ethics committees.
For further information please contact Rep. Skipper at 404-656-5024.