hr1551_LC_25_4464S_hcs

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06 LC 25 4464S

House Resolution 1551 (COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE)

By: Representatives Stephens of the 164th, Smith of the 70th, Hill of the 180th, Lane of the 158th, Burns of the 157th, and others

A RESOLUTION

Creating the Joint Comprehensive Water Desalination Study Committee; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, the task of securing sustainable water sources for Georgia while improving and preserving the quality of coastal waters, rivers, lakes, and ground water is vital to the citizenry of the state; and

WHEREAS, since 1964, the General Assembly has passed laws relating to water quality protection and water quantity allocation; and

WHEREAS, these laws and subsequent programs form a strong foundation for water policy in Georgia; and

WHEREAS, rapid population growth in coastal Georgia, increased tourism, and sustained industrial activity have adversely affected coastal Georgiás water resources and limited the available water supply; and

WHEREAS, recent stresses to Georgiás water resources mandate a re-examination of Georgiás water policy in Georgia and the viability of alternative water sources such as purification of sea water through the desalination process; and

WHEREAS, desalination may be a potential method to augment water supply sources, to reduce water shortages in future droughts, and to help preserve this valuable resource; and

WHEREAS, additional actions are necessary to provide safe and secure water supply for predicted population growth at least 20 years into the future; and

WHEREAS, in light of the above issues it is now time to study the viability of using desalination in Georgia.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA that there is created the Joint Comprehensive Water Desalination Study Committee to be composed of ten members. The chairperson of the House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment and the chairperson of the Senate Natural Resources and the Environment Committee shall serve as cochairpersons of the committee. The Speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint four members of the House of Representatives as members of the committee. The Senate Committee on Assignments shall appoint four members of the Senate as members of the committee. The cochairpersons shall call all meetings of the committee.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the committee shall undertake a study of the conditions, needs, issues, and problems mentioned above or related thereto and recommend any action or legislation which the committee deems necessary or appropriate. The committee may conduct such meetings at such places and at such times as it may deem necessary or convenient to enable it to exercise fully and effectively its powers, perform its duties, and accomplish the objectives and purposes of this resolution. The members of the committee shall receive the allowances provided for in Code Section 28-1-8 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. All funds necessary to carry out the provisions of this resolution shall come from funds appropriated to the House of Representatives and the Senate. The expenses and allowances authorized by this resolution shall not be received by any member of the committee for more than five days unless additional days are authorized. The committee shall make a report of its findings and recommendations, with suggestions for proposed legislation, if any, on or before December 1, 2006. The committee shall stand abolished on December 1, 2006.