Georgia Trend Daily – Jan. 9, 2020
Jan. 9, 2020 Saporta Report
Water war to end in 2020: Judge commends Georgia for conservation efforts
David Pendered reports that however the U.S. Supreme Court rules on the case of the Georgia-Florida water war, Georgia’s basic framework for conserving water is already in place. The low-flow devices and practices put in place since 2002 were commended in a judge’s recommendation that the court dismiss Florida’s claim.
Jan. 9, 2020 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
From the Publisher: Water Management
Ben Young writes, Georgia’s water wars may seem like old news, but the fight for natural resources never really goes away. Whether with neighboring states for water supply, with the government over water levels, or with polluters and scofflaws, the fight to keep our rivers safe and healthy is a moving target.
Jan. 9, 2020 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Gwinnett County’ $1.84 billion budget includes funding for 179 new workers
Arielle Kass reports that Gwinnett County will spend $1.84 billion to operate its government this year, including hiring more than 150 new employees — most in public safety. Commissioners approved the county’s largest budget in history on Tuesday, with little discussion or debate.
Jan. 9, 2020 Atlanta Business Chronicle
Delta joins IBM Q Network, to explore ‘quantum computing’
Chris Fuhrmeister reports that Delta is taking an industry-first flight into IBM’s Q Network, with the aim of improving customer and employee experiences through quantum computing. Delta and IBM are “embarking on a multi-year collaborative effort,” the companies announced Wednesday.
Jan. 9, 2020 Georgia.org
NearShore Technology to open new office in Atlanta, create more than 30 new jobs
Staff reports that the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) announced yesterday that NearShore Technology, a software outsourcing company, will open a new software and innovation hub in midtown Atlanta, creating more than 30 new jobs. “We are thrilled to see NearShore expanding their operations into Atlanta as they locate in Tech Square,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson.
Jan. 9, 2020 Cartersville Daily Tribune News
County officials react to losing $100M Lidl project
James Swift reports that two and a half years after German conglomerate Lidl announced plans to invest $100 million in Bartow County, the international retailer issued a press release Friday indicating the project — and with it, an estimated 270 new full-time jobs — will instead be going to Newton County.
Jan. 9, 2020 Emory University
St. Francis Hospital joins newly formed joint venture created by Emory Healthcare and LifePoint Health
Staff reports that Emory Healthcare and LifePoint Health today announced that they have formed a joint venture to enhance access to, and delivery of high-quality, cost-effective care; improve the health of residents in Columbus, Ga., and surrounding communities; and strengthen the regional benefits of Emory’s health care expertise close to home. St. Francis Hospital in Columbus, which LifePoint has owned since 2016, will now be the first facility owned by the joint venture.
Jan. 9, 2020 Augusta Chronicle
Georgia, AU and Cyber Center partner on election security
Tom Corwin reports that Georgia election officials are turning to Augusta experts for help in ensuring election integrity this year. Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensburg announced Wednesday that his office will partner with the Georgia Cyber Center and Augusta University School of Computer and Cyber Sciences to ensure Georgia’s new electronic voting systems are secure.
Jan. 9, 2020 GlobalAtlanta.com
NCR Buys British Software Firm for $131 million
Trevor Williams reports that Atlanta-based NCR Corp. has purchased Zynstra, a United Kingdom-based provider of software to the retail, hospitality and banking industries, for £100 million, or about $131 million.
Jan. 9, 2020 Capitol Beat, Rome News-Tribune
Georgia Power looking for ideas for reusing coal ash
Dave Williams reports that Georgia Power Co. has launched a plan to reuse coal ash from 29 ash ponds around the state it is in the process of closing. The Atlanta-based utility announced Wednesday it has released a request for proposals on ways to reuse ash stored at 11 active and retired coal-fired power plants across the state.
Jan. 9, 2020 WABE 90.1
Georgia Transportation Officials Seek Feedback As They Compile State Rail Plan
Emil Moffat reports that nearly 190 million tons of freight per year travels by train across Georgia. State officials compile statistics like these and look to the future in a document known as the State Rail Plan.
Jan. 9, 2020 GPB
Days Left For Public Comment On Massive Georgia Forest Management Plan
Grant Blankenship reports that the U.S. Forest Service is in the planning stages of a massive, perhaps even first of its kind forest management project at the foot of the Blue Ridge mountains. The Foothills Landscape Project takes in a little over 157,000 acres of the Chattahoochee National Forest, a little over twice the footprint of the city of Atlanta, running in an arc from the Tennessee border north of Chatsworth over to Rabun County.
Jan. 9, 2020 The Center Square
Reducing drug costs is goal of Georgia proposal to rein in pharmacy benefit managers
Nyamekye Daniel reports that the Georgia House Majority Caucus plans to propose legislation aimed at providing more oversight of corporate health care companies with the hope of saving taxpayer money. Lawmakers said they will introduce a bill that will remove “loopholes” from existing laws that fail to protect Georgians from exploitative practices by pharmacy benefits management companies.
Jan. 9, 2020 Georgia Recorder
No more studying, gambling, scooters and more now on lawmakers’ agenda
Stanley Dunlap reports several days before Georgia’s next legislative session begins Monday, lawmakers considering the expansion of legalized gambling are set to tour the Atlanta Motor Speedway where the racetrack’s president dreams of opening a $1 billion casino and entertainment operation.
Jan. 9, 2020 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Lieberman raises $700K since entering race for Georgia Senate seat
Greg Bluestein reports that Democrat Matt Lieberman said Thursday he will report raising more than $700,000 in the three months since he entered the U.S. Senate race against Republican Kelly Loeffler, a haul he hopes will prove he’s a formidable candidate in a fluid contest.
