Georgia Trend Daily – Feb. 14, 2023
Feb. 14, 2023 The Brunswick News
Major investment planned at Port of Brunswick
Gordon Jackson reports that an agreement to invest $247 million to expand the capacity of the harbor was signed Monday at a ceremony on the Georgia Ports Authority dock in Brunswick. Joel Wooten, chairman of the ports authority, described the project to expand operations on Colonel’s Island as a “historic investment.”
Quality-of-life Amenities: LaGrange’s new Granger Playground Photo: Contributed
Feb. 14, 2023 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
Visionary Cities
Patty Rasmussen, Betty Darby and Tom Oder report, the word community has several connotations but broadly it refers to people living together in a specific area. Typically, those residents share the common goal of making their communities better places to live, work and play.
Feb. 14, 2023 Atlanta Journal Constitution
EPA: Norfolk Southern could be liable for Ohio train derailment cleanup
Kelly Yamanouchi reports that Atlanta-based Norfolk Southern could be held liable for the cleanup of a train derailment in Ohio that released chemicals into the air, soil and water and prompted evacuations, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA sent a notice of potential liability to Norfolk Southern’s deputy general counsel on Friday, outlining the agency’s cleanup actions and the potential to hold the railroad accountable for the cleanup or associated costs.
Feb. 14, 2023 Marietta Daily Journal
Construction to proceed on south Cobb’s Chatt. River trail
Chart Riggall reports that the first mile of an ambitious new trail network along the Chattahoochee River could soon begin construction, with a contract up for a vote by Cobb County commissioners Tuesday. The board is expected to vote on a $3.4 million agreement with Excellere Construction to build out a stretch of the Chattahoochee Riverlands project, a trail that may one day run from Lake Lanier to Newnan.
Feb. 14, 2023 Rome News-Tribune
Bordeau Metals owner voices frustration over termination of metal recycling contract
John Bailey reports that the owner of Bordeau Metals on Monday confirmed their contract to recycle metals from Plant Hammond was terminated and that the property off The Trail in Lindale will soon be back up for sale. “Because of the neighbors and the county talking to Georgia Power we have lost that contract,” Bordeau Metals founder and CEO Brad Bordeau said.
Feb. 14, 2023 WSB-TV
Some Atlanta Public School parents question why $95,000+ was spent on district presentation lunch
Justin Gray reports that some Atlanta Public Schools parents are questioning the price tag of the APS State of the District presentation. A Channel 2 Action News investigation found that the total cost was more than $95,000.
Feb. 14, 2023 Valdosta Daily Times, CNHI News
First, Do No Harm: Groups fear plan could hurt not help rural hospitals
Asia Ashley reports that Georgia lawmakers have long discussed the challenges of rural health care access and workforce. But a proposal introduced by a senator still does not seem to be the solution, according to hospital officials and groups who spoke against the bill late last week.
Feb. 14, 2023 Athens Banner Herald, Capitol Beat News
Watkinsville representative sponsors Sports betting bill in Georgia House
Dave Williams reports that legislation introduced into the Georgia House of Representatives on Monday marks the latest effort to legalize sports betting in Georgia. House Bill 380, sponsored by state Rep. Marcus Wiedower, R-Watkinsville, is being supported by the Metro Atlanta Chamber.
Feb. 14, 2023 GPB
A judge blocks the release of most of a grand jury report in Georgia election probe
Stephen Fowler reports that the final recommendations of a special grand jury investigating attempts to overturn Georgia’s 2020 presidential election will largely be kept under wraps, a judge has ruled. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney wrote in an eight-page order released Monday that there are due process concerns for people that the report names as likely violators of state laws, but he found that three sections that do not mention specifics can be released later this week, on Thursday.
Feb. 14, 2023 The Center Square
Georgia lawmakers considering law enforcement legislation
T.A. DeFeo reports that lawmakers could soon consider legislation allowing cities to install noise detection cameras. “These are a little bit like red light cameras where they can measure the decibels coming out of the car, take a picture of your license plate, mail you the ticket,” state Rep. Betsy Holland, D-Atlanta, said during a virtual town hall last week.
Feb. 14, 2023 Georgia Recorder
Earlier party primaries, DNC convention could put Georgia center stage in 2024 presidential campaigns
Stanley Dunlap reports that Georgia Gov. Zell Miller in 1992 shrewdly used some of his power to maneuver the state towards the front of the pack of the presidential primary in order to boost the candidacy of his friend and fellow southerner Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton. The influence Georgia had on politics would diminish over the next two decades as the former Democratic stronghold evolved into reliable Republican territory.
Feb. 14, 2023 Capitol Beat News
Senate approves bill requiring mandatory minimums for gang recruitment activities
Rebecca Grapevine reports that the state Senate passed legislation Monday that would impose mandatory minimum sentences for those found guilty of gang recruitment activities in Georgia. The bill would require judges to impose prison sentences of at least five years on those convicted of recruiting gang members.
Feb. 14, 2023 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Lieutenant governor brings back Georgia field reps
Maya T. Prabhu reports that Lt. Gov. Burt Jones on Monday announced his intent to bring back field representatives as part of his constituent services effort. The effort is similar to a program last run under former Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle.
