Evans legislator warns of more state budget cuts

State agencies should start preparing themselves for $350 million more in state budget cuts, a Columbia County lawmaker said Thursday morning.

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Jim Blaylock/Staff

State Rep. Ben Harbin (left) and state Sen. Bill Jackson listen to keynote remarks Thursday at a breakfast held by the Chamber of Commerce.

During a pre-legislative breakfast meeting that the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce held, state Rep. Ben Harbin, R-Evans, said a shortfall in state revenues is forcing more cuts, and no government agency likely will be spared.

"This is not a time for selfish attitudes," Mr. Harbin said. "Nothing is a sacred cow."

Already, Gov. Sonny Perdue has cut about $900 million from the budget.

"Some days I look at (the budget) and shake my head with worry. I'm not going to lie," said Mr. Harbin, chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. "But I'm not too worried."

Mr. Harbin said he believes the economy is improving but expects it will be another year before Georgia feels the effects of the recovery.

In the meantime, he said lawmakers will try to protect education funding, won't raise taxes and will work inside a balanced budget.

Mr. Harbin said water rights likely will share center stage with the budget once the General Assembly reconvenes in January.

Earlier this year, a federal judge banned the state from drawing water from Lake Lanier, a primary source of water for Atlanta residents.

Lawmakers must deal with getting water to Atlanta residents and protecting the water rights of other communities, Mr. Harbin said.

"That is the issue that will drive two years of discussions," he said, adding that he doesn't expect to resolve the problems during the next legislative session.

State Department of Transportation Commissioner Vance Smith also spoke. Mr. Smith said he wants to prepare the state for a substantial uptick in Georgia's freight hauling industry due to the widening of the Panama Canal. He said work on the canal, to accommodate large oil ships, will conclude by 2014 or 2015.

The state needs to further develop ports on its Atlantic coastline, improve its rail system and make other infrastructure improvements to meet the needs of freight carriers.

To help fund those initiatives, Mr. Smith said DOT started a program called P3 -- Public-Private Partnerships.

Reach Donnie Fetter at (706) 863-6165 or donnie.fetter@augustachronicle.com