ATLANTA (February 3, 2014) – Gov. Nathan Deal has appointed Sen. Steve Gooch (R – Dahlonega), chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, to the state’s newly-created Severe Weather Warning Task Force. The group will be charged with reviewing Georgia’s emergency protocols and finding new approaches to prepare and inform Georgians of impending severe weather.
“It’s important that we take a closer look at existing plans to see how we can improve procedures to ensure everyone is able to return home safely in the event of inclement weather,” said Sen. Gooch. “I look forward to working with other task force members and finding ways to minimize the impact of inclement weather on all forms of transportation.”
“We made reforms after the 2011 storm on how we treat our roads, and because of that, we have more road treatment facilities located in more critical areas. All the equipment and the all supplies in the world won’t help if the trucks can’t get on the roads. We’ve got to communicate quicker and more effectively on the front end to keep as many vehicles off the road as possible,” said Gov. Deal.
The task force is comprised of 25 members, including legislators, state agency leaders, meteorologists from Atlanta’s major networks, law enforcement officials, school administrators and emergency responders. Sen. Steve Thompson, Rep. Jay Roberts and Rep.Mike Glanton were also named to the task force.
The State of Georgia is currently conducting an internal review of the severe weather storm that affected the Atlanta metro area and much of north Georgia in late January. The five state agencies involved in the comprehensive review are expected to present the findings within the next week.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 3, 2014
Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
jennifer.yarber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028