SR835: SR835 Georgia Environmental Finance Authority; commend

26 LC 129 0967 Senate Resolution 835 By: Senators Ginn of the 47th, Echols of the 49th, Anavitarte of the 31st, Hufstetler of the 52nd, James of the 28th and others A RESOLUTION Commending and congratulating the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority on the1 occasion of its 40th anniversary; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) was established in 19863 to provide innovative financing solutions for environmental infrastructure projects across the4 state; and5 WHEREAS, for 40 years, GEFA has played a vital role in improving Georgia's energy, land,6 and water resources while supporting economic growth, public he alth, and community7 development; and8 WHEREAS, GEFA has administered critical state and federal financing programs, including9 water and wastewater infrastructure loans, energy efficiency an d renewable energy10 initiatives, and land conservation efforts that benefit communities in every region of Georgia;11 and12 WHEREAS, through its stewardship of the Georgia Fund, Clean Wat er State Revolving13 Fund, Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, and other financing mechanisms, GEFA has14 S. R. 835 - 1 - 26 LC 129 0967 invested billions of dollars in infrastructure projects that im prove water quality, protect15 public health, and enhance quality of life for Georgians; and16 WHEREAS, the WaterFirst Program has recognized local government s demonstrating17 exemplary water resource management practices that protect Georgia's water resources; and18 WHEREAS, through its management of the State Energy Program, We atherization19 Assistance Program, and Energy performance contracting, GEFA ha s supported energy20 efficiency, renewable energy, and resiliency projects that redu ce energy use and stimulate21 sustainable economic development; and22 WHEREAS, GEFA's Fuel Storage Tank Program has provided a cleane r and healthier23 environment for all Georgians through the management and monitoring of fuel storage tanks24 at state facilities; and25 WHEREAS, in its role as the lead agency for Emergency Support Function 12 Annex, GEFA26 has promoted energy security planning and coordinated emergency response related to27 energy and fuel during state-wide emergencies; and28 WHEREAS, GEFA's commitment to serving rural and underserved com munities has29 strengthened local governments' ability to attract economic dev elopment and plan for30 long-term sustainability; and31 WHEREAS, the success of GEFA reflects the dedication and profes sionalism of its board32 members, executive leadership, and staff, past and present, who se work has advanced33 Georgia's environmental and economic priorities; and34 S. R. 835 - 2 - 26 LC 129 0967 WHEREAS, the 40th anniversary of the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority provides35 an appropriate opportunity to recognize its enduring contributions to the State of Georgia and36 its citizens.37 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body38 commend and congratulate the Georgia Environmental Finance Auth ority on its 40th39 anniversary and express sincere appreciation for its four decades of service to the people of40 Georgia.41 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed42 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for di stribution to the Georgia43 Environmental Finance Authority.44 S. R. 835 - 3 -