Passage of Senate Bill 339 Transfers Aircraft and Personnel from Georgia Aviation Authority

ATLANTA (February 7, 2012) –The Georgia Senate passed SB 339 today by a vote of 50 to 5. Sponsored by Senator Butch Miller (R-Gainesville), this legislation would transfer personnel, aircraft, and other assets from the Georgia Aviation Authority back to the Department of Natural Resources and the State Forestry Commission.

“I am pleased with the overwhelming support that SB 339 received in the Senate today,” said Sen. Miller. “The passage of this legislation ensures cost effective strategies regarding the operation of Georgia’s aviation industry while also helping to streamline aviation standards and procedures. Senate Bill 339 is not only good, cost effective government; it is good, cost effective business.”

Under current law, all aircraft, personnel, airfields, and equipment previously transferred to the Georgia Aviation Authority (GAA) from the Department of Public Safety were required to be transferred back to the department on September 1, 2011.

With the passage of this bill, all aircraft, personnel, airfields and equipment previously transferred to the GAA by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the State Forestry Commission will be transferred back to the respective agencies on July 1, 2012.

This legislation allows the GAA to provide aviation services, dispose of any state aircraft, hire personnel, develop training standards, and lease facilities assigned to DNR and the Commission back to the respective agencies. However, both agencies may enter into agreements with the GAA for mutual use of state airfields and equipment, including the development of an appropriate joint billing structure for passenger transportation.

SB 339 will continue its way through the legislative process by traveling to the House of Representatives for a vote.

RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
February 7, 2012

For Information Contact:
Natalie Dale, Director
Shawna Mercer,Sr. Communications Specialist
shawna.mercer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028