Representative Chad Nimmer visits Brantley County

Representative Chad Nimmer came to Brantley County on December 12th to meet with local elected officials to establish legislative priorities for the upcoming 2012 State Congressional session. Most of the Hoboken and Nahunta City Council members (current and/or elect) were in attendance with all but one of the County Commissioners and some Constitutional Officers and staff.

In the meeting the group talked about many items that they would like to see Representative Nimmer to fight for or against in the next session. The City of Nahunta discussed a water tower and possible assistance with other municipal water system improvements. The City of Hoboken discussed ways to bring industry to Brantley County. The group discussed the need for the State to revisit school funding and equalization changes to move the much needed support to the rural schools. The Board of Education was meeting and was unable to attend. But in their absence the group still reminded the Representative that while everyone understands the requirement of prioritization when funds are limited, education has to be a priority. Representative Nimmer explained that recently the State made a payment of $27 million to the government on a $700 million loan. The state has to work on a plan to continue critical services while paying off debt. Sound familiar?

The County Commission also discussed ways to entice industry to Brantley County. One project that was discussed was a joint natural gas pipeline grant application with Glynn County. The Industrial Development Authority has reported that many industries that are
seeking rural industrial sites today require the less expensive fuels like natural gas. Brantley County has 4 lane highway access, CSX rail spur access, Interstates within 20 miles, one port within 25 miles, two other ports within 100 miles, thousands of acres of
available property and many other attractive assets. With the addition of Natural Gas, the county would qualify for many new potential industrial candidates that look beyond Brantley now. The commission also discussed water rights and the proposed legislation to limit transfers between aquifers.

The meeting started with Representative Nimmer explaining to the group some of the items that he expects to see this year. There will likely be some sales tax legislation. Much was attempted last year but failed to get sufficient support. With the election coming in 2012, there was some concern that not much will get accomplished this year.

Meetings of this nature are scheduled with Senator William Ligon for December 20th as well.