REPRESENTATIVE BARRY LOUDERMILK
GEORGIA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
DISTRICT 14
 
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                   CONTACT: Barry Loudermilk
February 3, 2009                                                             678-721-5612

                                                                                                                            
Loudermilk Appointed Chair of Aviation Subcommittee
ATLANTA- State Representative Barry Loudermilk (R-Cassville) has been appointed as the Chairman of the House Aviation Subcommittee. The Aviation subcommittee is a standing subcommittee of the House Transportation Committee, where Loudermilk has served as Secretary for five years. Loudermilk will continue as the committee's third in command while also serving as the subcommittee chair.
 
The Aviation Subcommittee hears legislation that affects air transportation, airports and the aerospace industry throughout the state of Georgia. "As a licensed pilot, Barry understands the aviation industry, the rules and regulations involved in aviation, and the impact Georgia's airports have on our economy," said Representative Vance Smith, Jr. (R-Pine Mountain), Chairman of the House Transportation Committee.
 
"I look forward to serving as Chairman of this subcommittee," said Loudermilk. "Georgia has a rich aviation heritage and aviation continues to have a significant impact on local economies throughout the state. As a private pilot who uses many of our state's public airports, I hope to be able to bring a new perspective that recognizes the importance of both the air carrier and the general aviation industries in our state."
 
Loudermilk was also appointed to serve on the Special Subcommittee for Transportation Funding, which will be looking at alternative ways of funding Georgia's Transportation system. Several bills will be introduced during this legislative session, which the committee will consider, to provide funding for roads, bridges, ports, airports, rail and mass transportation in the state.
 
Loudermilk also serves as Secretary on the House Energy Telecommunications and Public Utilities Committee, and is a member of the Science and Technology and Health and Human Services Committees.
 
Loudermilk represents portions of Bartow and Floyd Counties in the House of Representatives. A native Georgian, Barry currently resides in Cassville, Georgia with his wife, Desiree, and children, Travis, Christiana, and Michael. As well as being a private pilot, Loudermilk serves as a volunteer search and rescue pilot and ground team leader with the Civil Air Patrol, the official auxiliary of the United States Air Force.
 

Febryary 4, 2009 Press Release

 

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STATE OF GEORGIA
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
 
 
Sonny Perdue
GOVERNOR
 
For Immediate Release                                                 Contact: Office of Communications
Wednesday, February 4, 2009                                                                      (404) 651-7774
 
Governor Perdue Introduces Aviation Authority Legislation
 
ATLANTA - Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that Administration Floor Leader Senator Bill Heath has introduced Senate Bill 85, legislation that would establish the Georgia Aviation Authority.  The bill passed out of the Senate Transportation Committee today.
"The Georgia Aviation Authority will increase safety, decrease costs and deploy state assets more efficiently," said Governor Sonny Perdue. "This legislation continues our commitment of creating a responsible state government that acts as a good steward for the taxpayers' dollars."
The legislation is a result of recommendations from the Commission for a New Georgia task force on aviation management. The task force found that five different state agencies own a combined total of 86 aircraft, which are based in 18 locations around the state. More than half of the aircraft are over 20 years old and represent 20 different types with vintages dating to the Vietnam era.
The aviation authority will deploy these assets more efficiently by using the aircraft to meet the missions of multiple agencies rather than one agency. This will enable the state to cover existing missions with fewer aircraft. The authority will also standardize the type of aircraft the state owns, allowing the state to standardize maintenance and training which will reduce costs and increase safety.
The authority will also allow the state to modernize its fleet and eliminate the higher costs of maintaining old aircraft.  By establishing a unified team of aviation professionals, the authority will ensure safe, effective and efficient operations.
"This legislation will enhance safety, make state government more efficient and save the citizens of Georgia money," said Sen. Bill Heath.
The authority will be composed of nine members: the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House (or their designee); the Department of Transportation Commissioner; the Department of Public Safety Commissioner; the Department of Natural Resources Commissioner; and the Director of the State Forestry Commission; and the two remaining members will represent the aviation business community and will be appointed by the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House.
"An efficient, cross-trained team of aviation professionals at the state government level is very important to our overall law enforcement efforts statewide," said Jefferson County Sheriff Gary Hutchins, President of the Georgia Sheriffs' Association. "We think establishing the Aviation Authority is a responsible step to achieve that, and for that reason the Georgia Sheriffs' Association supports SB 85 and urges its passage."