Georgia House Majority Caucus Whip James Burchett (R-Waycross) and Atkinson County Commission Chairman Parker Liles held a meeting in Pearson, Georgia, to discuss steps toward resolving longstanding maintenance issues with the local sewer and water systems. These problems have raised safety concerns for residents of Pearson and Atkinson County.
“I am grateful that we were able to take this important step forward for the residents of Atkinson County,” said Whip Burchett. “The people of Pearson have dealt with these challenges for far too long, and they deserve more than short-term fixes. They deserve dependable, safe water every single day. I am committed to continuing our work with local, state and federal partners to ensure Pearson has the reliable and effective water and sewer infrastructure its residents need and deserve.”
During the meeting, Whip Burchett and State Senator Russ Goodman (R-Cogdell) encouraged the City of Pearson to temporarily transfer operational control of its sewer and water system to Atkinson County. This move would allow access to state grant funds needed for immediate maintenance and repairs.
Local and state officials attended the meeting, including representatives from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority, Georgia Environmental Protection Division, Georgia Department of Public Health, Federal Environmental Protection Agency, Governor’s Office, Lieutenant Governor’s Office, Speaker’s Office, City of Pearson, Atkinson County Schools, Georgia Rural Water Authority, Georgia Municipal Association, as well as system maintenance experts.
Burns is a Republican who was elected in 2005 to represent Georgia’s 159th House District after Ray Holland.
