Water Is Your Business Recognizes State Senator Ross Tolleson for Tireless Efforts to Promote Water Conservation in Georgia

New legislation sees benefits of public-private partnership in local water delivery

WASHINGTON (April 7, 2011) – State Senator Ross Tolleson (R-Perry) today was recognized by the “Water is Your Business” campaign for his efforts in bringing local water districts together to coordinate conservation efforts, as well as making improvements to water infrastructure.

 “Water is Your Business” is raising awareness about the importance of investment in water infrastructure for the economic foundation of communities everywhere. The campaign recognizes local leaders, like Sen. Tolleson, for their decisions to invest or provide support for investment in out-of-sight, out-of-mind water infrastructure.

 For six years, Sen. Tolleson has worked on water issues that affect Georgia and the Perry region. As a result of his efforts, new legislation which takes proactive steps in planning for drought conditions and water emergencies has passed both the Georgia House and Senate and is awaiting Georgia Governor Nathan Deal’s signature.

 “Our one motive is to deliver capacity. This was a good bill, a clean bill, with one focus – to give local governments another option, another tool, when they are building a reservoir, water delivery infrastructure or a treatment facility,” said Sen. Tolleson. “This legislation gives local government an opportunity to join a private partner, but at the end of the day maintains that all infrastructure is locally controlled. Public-private partnerships are a vital tool in financing infrastructure, giving municipal government flexibility to meet their needs.”

 About Water Is Your Business

Sustainable, safe and reliable water service is the lifeblood for every community, and it is a critical part of the physical platform of the U.S. economy. Water is Your Business is creating local dialogues to provide business and community leaders with tools and resources needed to be constructive and influential participants in the discussion on water infrastructure needs. To learn more, visit www.waterisyourbusiness.org.

For more information, contact Lindsay Murphy at (202) 715-785.

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
April 7, 2011
For Information Contact:
Natalie Strong, Director
Kallarin Richards, Deputy Director
Kallarin.Richards@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028