Georgia

North Georgia Men Arrested, Charged in Plots to Purchase Explosives, Silencer and to Manufacture a Biological Toxin

November 01, 2011 -- ATLANTA—Frederick Thomas, 73, of Cleveland, Ga.; Dan Roberts, 67, of Toccoa, Ga.; Ray H. Adams, 65, of Toccoa; and Samuel J. Crump, 68, of Toccoa, were arrested today relating to plans to obtain an unregistered explosive device and silencer and to manufacture the biological toxin ricin for use in attacks against other U.S. citizens and government personnel and officials.

Georgia Recovery Dollars Have Provided Funding For More Than 14,300 Education Jobs

March 23, 2010 -- U. S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today announced that an additional $416,063,701 is now available for Georgia under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.

To date, Georgia has received $2,544,529,775 through the Recovery Act. The state recently reported that recovery dollars have been used to provide funding for more than 14,300 education jobs from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 2009, while also supporting programs that drive education reform.

January 22, 2010 -- ATLANTA – Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue today announced that Georgia and Microsoft will combine efforts in a unique, public-private partnership to provide free technology training to displaced workers. The Governor joined Steve Ballmer, Microsoft’s Chief Executive Officer, at the Capitol to applaud the initiative titled “Microsoft Elevate America.”

“We are excited to join forces with Microsoft in this important initiative. This partnership will provide thousands of Georgians with the education and skills required to succeed in the new economy,” Governor Perdue said. “When people obtain the necessary job and technology skills, their quality of life, and the quality of our state workforce, vastly improves.”

January 15, 2010 -- ATLANTA – Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue today released his Amended Fiscal Year 2010 and Fiscal Year 2011 budgets today, delivering functionally balanced budgets that also continue to invest in Georgia’s future.

“We have actively managed the budget in a step-down approach as revenues have continued to slide,” said Governor Perdue. “Just as Georgians are balancing their checkbooks and making tough decisions in difficult times, the state must and will do the same.”

Governor Perdue’s recommended Amended 2010 budget totals $17.4 billion, a $1.2 billion reduction from the original FY 2010 budget, and the 2011 budget stands at $18.2 billion.

November 16, 2009 -- DUBAI, U.A.E -- Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue welcomed three economic development announcements made today from the Dubai Airshow that continue to strengthen Georgia’s reputation as a global center for the aviation industry.

“Each of these three announcements illustrate a key aspect of our economic development strategy – location of a new U.S. headquarters in Georgia, an existing company expanding its current workforce and an Atlanta-based business selling its products to overseas customers,” Governor Perdue said. “

October 26, 2009 -- Representatives from NOAA and the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, announced the formation of a partnership to better manage and protect ocean and coastal resources, ensure regional economic sustainability, and respond to disasters such as hurricanes. The announcement was made during the annual meeting of the Coastal States Organization in Charleston, S.C.

October 26, 2009 -- ATLANTA, Ga. -- Just as every home should have a smoke alarm, every home should have an emergency supply kit packed and ready. And being prepared doesn’t have to cost a lot of money.

While emergency preparedness is ongoing at the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), it's also an individual responsibility.

“You should be prepared to take care of yourself and members of your family for the first 72 hours – that’s three days – following a disaster such as a hurricane or the September flooding across Georgia,” said GEMA Director Charley English. “A big part of disaster preparation is knowledge and the state has developed a comprehensive disaster preparedness guide that is available online.”

October 16, 2009 -- ATLANTA – Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue today announced 19 grant awards from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). These grants are awarded to cities, counties and community groups in the Appalachian Region who have met the community improvement requirements set by the ARC.

“This program creates new opportunities for Georgia residents by improving the quality of life in the northeastern region of our state,” said Governor Perdue. “This 13-state ARC partnership helps local communities compete at the national and global level.”

September 17, 2009 -- MONTGOMERY - Alabama Governor Bob Riley’s office today commented on Georgia’s decision to appeal a definitive federal court ruling that water withdrawals from Lake Lanier to provide water supply to the Atlanta area are illegal under federal law.

Governor Riley’s Press Secretary Todd Stacy made the following statement:

September 15, 2009 -- ATLANTA -- Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that Wiregrass Power, LLC plans to locate a 40-megawatt renewable energy power plant in Valdosta. The company will create 25 jobs and invest $110 million over the next three years as the plant comes online.

“Georgia’s status as the nation’s Bioenergy Corridor continues to grow with the location of a renewable energy power plant in Valdosta,” said Governor Perdue. “Our vast supply of biomass, technology innovations and business-friendly environment are very attractive to companies such as Wiregrass Power.”