Governor Sonny Perdue (R), Georgia transportation officials and the State Farm Insurance Co. announced a collaborative sponsorship designed to create a long-term, supplemental funding source for the Department’s Highway Emergency Response Operator (HERO) program. 

“We know that incident management is one of the most effective, efficient methods to relieving congestion,” Governor Perdue said. “This partnership ensures sustainable funding is available to keep our HERO trucks busy clearing wrecks and keeping traffic moving.”

As a result of the agreement, Georgia DOT will receive over $5.1 million ($1.7m/yr) in sponsorship fees from State Farm over the next three years to support the HERO program.  There is an option to renew the contract for an additional two years, with the Department receiving $1.825 million for each renewal year. All monies received will be used to support the HERO program.  In return, State Farm logos will be placed on HERO vehicles, operator uniforms and signs delineating the HERO service area.  The program will be known as the Georgia DOT HERO Program, sponsored by State Farm Insurance.

“Our HERO motor service patrol is one of Georgia DOT’s most acclaimed programs,” noted District Six State Transportation Board Member Brandon Beach.  Beach was instrumental in securing the sponsorship deal.  “We are thrilled at the opportunity to create new revenue sources that will sustain funding for this critical program, both now and in the future.  We’re going to save the taxpayers millions of dollars in operating costs and allow Georgia DOT HEROs to continue doing what they do best... protecting lives and property; assisting motorists; and reducing incident delays,” Beach added.

Beach, a Republican, is CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and a declared candidate for the state senate in 2010. Beach is running to replace District 56 State Senator Dan Moody, who is retiring after the 2010 Georgia General Assembly session.

“State Farm’s support of this program underscores our commitment to help make our roads safer.  The HERO program shares our good neighbor commitment and is a partner in our mission of helping people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams.” said Tim McFadden, Senior Vice President with State Farm.

As the need for additional funding sources increased, Georgia DOT staff and State Transportation Board members began aggressively pursuing strategies to effectively overcome budget challenges.   Recognizing that there may be interest in sponsoring various aspects of its operations in return for advertising privileges, Georgia DOT officials researched similar highway response programs in other states and concluded that a sponsorship program would prove beneficial to the Department. The State Transportation Board then directed the Department last December to pursue this type of sponsorship.

Currently, HERO operators patrol 280 miles of freeways in 13 Metro counties, seven days per week.   HERO assists increased nearly 100 percent in the last five years and now approach 100,000 annually. 

ALPHARETTA

COMMUNITY YARD SALE COMES TO ALPHARETTA

Looking for a unique item you can’t find in the stores?  Stop by our Community Yard Sale on Saturday, June 6th.  You may find that special item that could bring you “Big Bucks” on the Road Show!  Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department and the Alpharetta Golden Age Club have teamed up to sponsor this Community Yard Sale from 10am to 2pm at Alpharetta North Park.

Items for sale will include clothing, toys, kitchenware, paintings, ceramics, stained glass, books, furniture, and other knick knacks!  The yard sale will be held in the parking lot near the Alpharetta Adult Activity Center, located at 13450 Cogburn Road, Alpharetta.  Hot dogs, hamburgers, sodas, and more will be available.  In case of inclement weather, the sale will be cancelled.

For more information, please call 678-297-6140 or email activeadults@alpharetta.ga.us.

STATE

GEORGIA’S SENATORS NOT SOLD ON SOTOMAYOR

Georgia GOP U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss both advocated a cautious and thorough approach concerning the nomination of federal appeals court Judge Sonia Sotomayor for the U.S. Supreme Court.

“I look forward to a thorough examination and debate of her credentials and legal views during the Senate confirmation process.” Isakson said. “I believe a qualified judge is one who understands the value and the strength and the power of the Constitution of the United States of America, who will rule based on the law, and who will not legislate based on the position.”

Chambliss added, “I have consistently stated that Supreme Court nominees must not engage in legislating from the bench, but must interpret the laws as they have been passed. The Senate deserves an appropriate amount of time to review this nominee. I look forward to a dignified and thorough confirmation process.”

OXENDINE SIGNS NO CLIMATE TAX PLEDGE

The Georgia chapter of the grassroots free-market group Americans for Prosperity (AFP-GA) applauded gubernatorial candidate John Oxendine (R) for signing the group’s “No Climate Tax Pledge.” By doing so, Oxendine pledged to “oppose legislation relating to climate change that includes a net increase in federal revenue.”

Oxendine joined over 180 lawmakers on the federal, state and local levels who have signed the pledge.  Other prominent Georgia signers include: U.S. Reps. Lynn Westmoreland (R), Tom Price (R), Paul Broun (R), and Phil Gingrey (R) and Georgia State Senate President Pro Tempore Eric Johnson (R-Savannah), also a candidate for governor.