ATLANTA (July 22, 2024) — Today, Sen. Chuck Payne (R–Dalton) issued the following statement in remembrance of former Georgia State Senator Don Thomas:
Continue reading “Statement from Sen. Chuck Payne Regarding the Passing of Former State Senator Don Thomas”Statement on the Passing of Charles Bloodworth
ATLANTA (July 22, 2024) — Today, Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas) released the following statement regarding the passing of Charles Bloodworth:
“It is with deep sorrow that Jennifer and I acknowledge the passing of Charles “Chuck” Bloodworth on Sunday, July 22. Chuck was a dear friend, neighbor, beloved member of our community, and a distinguished public servant who dedicated his life to protecting and serving others in Georgia and the United States of America.
Chuck’s career began with the United States Army, followed by various roles in law enforcement before joining the United States Secret Service in 1999. His professionalism and integrity were evident in his work, which included overseeing electronic crime investigations and performing dignitary protection, including for several of America’s Presidents.
In 2022, the Georgia Senate honored Chuck with Senate Resolution 111, recognizing his exceptional life contributions and dedication to public service.
Chuck Bloodworth’s legacy is one of honor, dedication, patriotism, and unwavering commitment. He will be deeply missed. Jennifer and I, along with our three daughters, will be praying for his wife Karen, daughters Avery and Ashlan, and their loved ones during this difficult time.”
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Sen. Jason Anavitarte serves as Chair of the Senate Majority Caucus. He represents Senate District 31, which includes Paulding and Polk Counties. He can be reached at 404.656.9221 or at Jason.anavitarte@senate.ga.gov.
President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy Announces Funding for Middle Georgia Airports
ATLANTA (July 22, 2024) — Georgia’s 18th Senate District is set to receive significant funding to improve and expand regional airport infrastructure, as announced by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). The funding appropriated by the Georgia General Assembly will bolster several key projects to enhance the capacity and safety of regional airports across the state.
“Regional airports are catalysts for economic growth in rural communities. These expansions are crucial to bring new investments, good-paying jobs and industry to Middle Georgia. Our communities are filled with one-of-a-kind business, tourism, and recreational opportunities. From historic downtown Macon, our world-class museums and exhibition halls, to the Ocmulgee Indian Mounds, I am committed to making it easier for people across the country to see what the heart of Georgia has to offer,” said President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy (R–Macon). “I want to specifically thank Governor Brian Kemp, Commissioner Russell McMurray and our GDOT Board Members for their support of this funding for the 18th Senate District.”
The projects, totaling $5.5 Million in state funding, announced by the Georgia Department of Transportation include operational and safety improvements for Middle Georgia Regional Airport, Thomaston-Upson County Airport and Perry-Houston County Airport. The additional funding is part of a broader $1.5 billion investment in Georgia’s transportation infrastructure, which includes significant allocations for local roads, capital maintenance, freight programs, and capital construction.
These projects were selected based on a strategic process and project readiness, with strong endorsement and support from the State Board of Transportation.
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Sen. John F. Kennedy serves as the President Pro Tempore of the Georgia State Senate. He represents the 18th Senate District which includes Upson, Monroe, Peach, Crawford, as well as portions of Bibb and Houston County. He may be reached at 404.656.6578 or by email at john.kennedy@senate.ga.gov.
Sen. Blake Tillery Applauds GDOT for Accelerating Phase Two of Crucial Construction Project
ATLANTA, GA (July 19, 2024) —Today,Sen. Blake Tillery (R–Vidalia) commended the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for their decision to expedite phase two of the US-1, State Route 4 bypass project by four years. This significant infrastructure initiative, with a funding allocation of $26.6 million, is a major step forward in improving transportation and economic development in the region.
“I deeply appreciate the commitment of Governor Kemp and Commissioner Russell McMurry to enhancing our transportation infrastructure as southeast Georgia continues to grow,” said Senator Tillery. “His responsiveness to the needs of our community does not go unnoticed, and I look forward to continuing collaboration with GDOT, our local officials and community stakeholders as the project progresses.”
Local officials and community leaders have long recognized the importance of the US-1/SR 4 bypass, with discussions dating back to the 1990s.
“The advocacy and support from our local officials have been instrumental in highlighting the necessity of this bypass,” added Sen. Tillery. “Their voices have been heard, and their persistence has paid off. We’re all excited to see the completion of this project, which will greatly enhance traffic flow, safety and economic opportunity within the 19th Senate District.”
The accelerated timeline for phase two of this project will allow Georgia citizens throughout the Coastal Plain to reap the full benefits of improved transportation while simultaneously reinforcing major transportation corridors for Georgia businesses.
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Sen. Blake Tillery serves as Chairman for the Senate Committee on Appropriations. He represents the 19th Senate District, which includes Appling, Bacon, Jeff Davis, Long, Montgomery, Telfair, Toombs, Wayne, and Wheeler counties and a portion of Coffee County. He can be reached by email at blake.tillery@senate.ga.gov.
Sen. Brian Strickland Commends State Funding for New Lanes on Interstate 75 in Henry County
ATLANTA (July 19, 2024) — Today, Sen. Brian Strickland (R–McDonough) issued a statement commending Governor Brian Kemp and the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for their leadership and commitment to increasing the ease of transportation in Henry County:
“I am happy to announce that the Georgia Department of Transportation has allocated $10 million in funding to begin the process of adding two new lanes to our express lanes in Henry County. This funding will initiate the engineering work required for this project, ultimately leading to the end of the reversible express lanes and providing access for travel in two lanes, in both directions, at all times. These funds are part of the historic investment Gov. Kemp and the Legislature included in the state budget this year for infrastructure projects in our state. Everyone who travels through Henry County knows the challenges of Interstate 75. I commend the governor and the Georgia Department of Transportation for listening to the concerns we have expressed and making this investment in state funds to this region.”
In addition to the $10 million funding for Henry County, the $1.5 billion surplus allocated to improve state infrastructure will fund projects such as airport aid, local roads funding, capital maintenance, a new freight program to improve freight infrastructure efficiency, and capital construction.
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Sen. Brian Strickland serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary. He represents the 17th Senate District, which includes all of Morgan and portions of Henry, Newton, and Walton County. Sen. Strickland may be reached by phone at 404.463.6598 or email at brian.strickland@senate.ga.gov.