Senate Resolution 653
By: Senators Anderson of the 24th, Goodman of the 8th, Watson of the 11th, Echols of the
49th, Sims of the 12th and others
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing Keep Georgia Beautiful Day at the state capitol; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation (KGBF) was created in 1978 by
executive order of Governor George Busbee; and
WHEREAS, there are now more than 70 local Keep America Beautiful Affiliates in Georgia,
representing one of the largest networks of local affiliates in the nation; and
WHEREAS, the affiliate network and statewide KGBF programs impact 80 percent of
Georgia's population through litter prevention, waste reduction, recycling, and community
beautification programs, including the Great American Cleanup, America Recycles Day, the
Bring One for the Chipper Christmas tree recycling campaign, and BRACE (Blight
Reduction and Code Enforcement) grants; and
WHEREAS, these programs demonstrate measurable results such as reducing litter collected
during the Great American Cleanup by 75 percent over the last 15 years, recycling more than
6 million Christmas trees since the start of the Chipper program, and providing 86
mini-grants to Georgia communities over the last two years for a total of $400,000, including
$205,000 to communities with populations up to 10,000; and
WHEREAS, an average of over 100,000 volunteers participate in Keep Georgia Beautiful
Foundation and affiliate programs each year, representing an annual value average of $87.31
million to Georgia taxpayers; and
WHEREAS, within the last 10 years, the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation has returned
an average of $119 in statewide annual benefits for every $1 invested by state government
to help reduce crime, encourage economic development, .and provide clean,. Green, healthy,
and thriving communities for all Georgians.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
recognize Keep Georgia Beautiful Day at the state capitol.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the public and the
press.