In Photo: (from left) Chris Faulkner, Georgia Environmental Protection Division; Emily Davenport, City of Valdosta; Kelly Bell, Environmental City of Valdosta; Angela Wall and Richard Batten, Southern Georgia Regional Commission.
The City of Valdosta received the SHINES (Stewards Helping to Improve the Natural Environment of the Suwannee) Award from the Southern Georgia Regional Commission, on July 22, for their environmental efforts in the Suwannee River Basin.
The city was recognized for their investment to protect our area’s natural resources through water, sewer and stormwater management. Projects include the addition of several programs—such as the Fats, Oil and Grease Program and Backflow Prevention Program; innovative community planning efforts as identified in the city’s Land Development Regulations; infrastructure improvements and expansions; and educational outreach efforts.
“We are very pleased to be one of only two communities to be selected for this award,” said Utilities Director Henry Hicks. “We are committed to the long-term investment of improving our infrastructure and protecting our environment.”
The SHINES Program is part of the Upper Suwannee River Partnership and is funded through the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. For more information about the award received, contact Hicks at (229) 259-3592.