Gov. Nathan Deal announced a $10.5 million investment in the Georgia Environmental Protection Division’s oversight of the state water metering program. The funding, made available through OneGeorgia, will help EPD facilitate program implementation, collaboration with agricultural partners and greater communication with stakeholders. To assist with these efforts, Deal tapped Marjie Dickey to fill the role of Agriculture Water Project Manager at EPD, effective July 1.
 
 “This investment is a crucial one for our state as we continue to enhance efforts to manage and protect Georgia’s most valuable resources,” said Deal. “Marjie has proven herself a valuable asset to my administration and our state, and I am confident her background and expertise will serve the agricultural community and its stakeholders well.”
 
Last December, EPD assumed oversight of the state’s agriculture irrigation metering program, which provides important data for management of the state’s water resources and supports the water conservation efforts of producers. Though several thousand irrigation systems have been successfully metered since 2003, measurement of agricultural water use in all critical areas of the state needs to be completed. Initially, EPD will prioritize the installation of flow measuring devices at each permitted withdrawal site in the Flint and Suwannee River basins, as recommended by Governor’s Agricultural Permitting Compliance Task Force. EPD plans to rely upon agriculture organizations, water organizations, and/or private professionals to accomplish this work. EPD and its partners will work closely with agriculture producers as the new meters are installed and the program is implemented.
 
“We are excited to have Marjie join our team as we strengthen our efforts to install meters at all withdrawal points in the state’s high priority areas,” said EPD Director Richard Dunn. “Marjie’s management skills and knowledge of Georgia agriculture will be a tremendous asset to the EPD team as we undertake this important initiative.”