Politics

Georgia Senate Sidetracks Bill that Protects Special Funds

March 22nd, 2012

State lawmakers have allowed fees collected for special projects — like scrap tire and waste disposal – to be used for other purposes.

One bill would make it harder to dip into those funds. But recent changes to the legislation have caused environmental groups to speak out.

The state legislature declared last week “Groundwater Awareness Week” at the Capitol – a move April Ingle with the Georgia River Network supports.

But when it comes to actually protecting groundwater, she’s unhappy with the current version of House Bill 811.

“It’s really important that those fees are used for what they’re collected for,” Ingle says. “And what’s happening now is those fees are being diverted to deal with budget shortfalls.”

This includes a $1 fee collected for each car tire that’s bought in the state. That program alone brings in between $5 and $7 million a year.

The Senate changed the bill so money remains available for other uses until shortfall reserve funds are replenished to a certain level.

Ingle says diverting funds from clean-up projects means there will continue to be less money to protect valuable water resources.

“It’s used by industry, it’s used by agriculture,” she says. “Our economy and our communities and our livelihoods depend on us having plentiful, clean water.”

State senators who revised the bill could not be reached before deadline.