State Representative Lynn Smith (R-Newnan) recently moderated two panel discussions at the U.S. Highway 17 Coastal and Rural Sustainable Economic Development Round Table. Sponsored by the annual Georgia Environmental Conference (GEC), the round table addressed revitalizing the areas surrounding the U.S. Highway 17 corridor.

“Moderating these important panels allowed me to learn about many of the intricate details behind improving the U.S. Highway 17 corridor,” said Rep Smith. “Revitalizing the areas around this corridor will rely on the cooperation and teamwork of many different agencies and organizations, and I believe the conversations had during the round table will generate momentum that will push these vital projects for our coastal communities forward.”

During the round table event, Rep. Smith moderated a two-part session on the U.S. Highway 17 corridor that addressed land use, environmental sensitivity and special consideration to local governments and rural communities, as well as economic development opportunities for the region. The discussions focused on creating economic development opportunities that include smaller rural communities in the overall U.S. Highway 17 Corridor Revitalization planning. Other topics included resiliency planning and environmental considerations in coastal planning.

Other panelists at the event included: Shana Jones, Carl Vinson Institute of Government, University of Georgia; Katherine Moore, Georgia Conservancy; Doug Hyman, Georgia Department of Natural Resources Coastal Resources Division; Jessica Brown, University of Georgia Marine Extension; City of Savannah Sustainability Director Nick Deffley; City of Brunswick Economic Development Director Travis Stegall; Reggie Taylor and Gregory Dale, U.S.D.A. Southern Regional Innovation Center; Camilla Warren, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 4; and Todd Boatman, Mobile District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.