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AJC.com > Legislature > Georgia Beat > Archives > 2005 > February > 14 > Entry
Land conservation bill set to become law
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Gov. Sonny Perdue’s initiative to preserve Georgia’s green space — from fragile wetlands to Civil War battlefields — received overwhelming support Monday in the state Senate.
The bill passed by a 52-2 vote. The measure has already cleared the House, making it the first piece of legislation of the 2005 Legislative session to clear both chambers. Once the governor signs the measure it will become law.
The bill would make millions of dollars available to entice farmers, timber companies and other large landowners to permanently protect their pastures, forests and other landscapes from development.
The owners would still own their land and could continue to farm or timber it. They would not have to open it up for public access. The legislation also would encourage public-private land deals through a nine-member council that would evaluate projects based on ecological value.
Sen. Steve Thompson (D-Powder Springs) spoke against the measure. He argued that Georgia’s urban areas need greenspace protection and programs that target air and water pollution. His amendment to include cemeteries in the definition of greenspace failed.
Earlier in the afternoon, the Senate approved a motion to reconsider a resolution that would allow public funding of social service programs run by religious organizations. The resolution, backed by Gov. Perdue, failed on Thursday to receive the two-thirds majority approval necessary for passage by three votes.
Sen. Don Balfour (R-Snellville) made the motion to reconsider Monday. The motion passed 33-11. The resolution now returns to the Senate Rules Committee, where the members can vote on placing the measure back on the general calendar for another vote.
Several Democrats said last week that they could not support the bill unless it was amended to ensure public money could not be spent on private or parochial schools.
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