Georgia News Briefly — April 19, 2016

Perdue reacts to FAA legislation

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. David Perdue, R-Ga., said Tuesday that he will continue to work for legislation that would enable states and local governments to establish guidelines for the use of drones in their airspace.

Following the Senate’s reauthorization of Federal Aviation Administration programs through Fiscal Year 2017, Perdue said, “Over the years, we have seen great advances in aviation, and we must consistently examine government guidelines to ensure they allow for competition and encourage innovation. As a business guy, I think these policy changes should have been extended for a more substantial amount of time to provide the industry with more certainty.

“Ultimately, though, responsible and timely action is needed. These updated policies will facilitate aviation in the United States and encourage continued focus on protecting all travelers. While this bill does not provide state and local governments the ability to set drone guidelines for their airspace, I will continue to work to meet the needs of our communities in future legislation.”

Perdue introduced two amendments to the FAA reauthorization bill, one that would have ensured states and local governments the ability to draft their own drone laws specific to their states and communities and one that would have extended the length of the bill through FY 2018. Neither amendment was adopted into the final bill.

Governor appoints four judges

ATLANTA — Gov. Nathan Deal on Tuesday announced four judicial appointments.

Deal’s office said that Mary Beth Priest and John Worcester had been named to Superior Court judgeships in the Appalachian Judicial Circuit and Eric Norris to a Superior Court judgeship in the Western Judicial Circuit. He also announced that Tammi Long Hayward had been named to the Clayton County State Court.

The vacancies within the Appalachian Judicial Circuit were created by the appointment of Judge Amanda Mercier to the Georgia Court of Appeals and the resignation of Judge Roger Bradley. The vacancy within the Western Judicial Circuit was created by the passage of House Bill 279 during the 2015 General Assembly. The Clayton County State Court vacancy was created by the resignation of Judge Morris Braswell.

The appointments will take effect upon swearing in.

Park to close periodically in April

FORT GAINES — The East Bank Day Use Park at Fort Gaines will be closed periodically through the end of the month, officials with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers Mobile District announced Tuesday.

Corps officials said the park closures were needed for the paving of parking lots and roads in the park. The work is scheduled to be completed by April 30.

For information, contact the Resource Management Office at (229) 768-2516.