Gubernatorial Candidate Austin Scott Meets

with IPJI’s Co-Director

On December 7th, IPJI’s Co-Director David Egan met on Jekyll Island with Austin Scott, who is a seven-term State Representative (District 153) and a Republican candidate for Governor of Georgia. Their conversation revolved around the importance of public lands—Jekyll Island State Park in particular—and the revitalization effort of the Jekyll Island Authority, including the Revitalization Partnering Agreement between the JIA and Linger Longer Communities.

Rep. Scott emphasized the importance of Georgia State Parks and the need to protect them as recreational sites and showcases of Georgia’s natural beauty. His remarks on this subject dovetail with a recent posting on his website – http://www.scottforga.com - stating that, “As the Georgia General Assembly continues to navigate the economic downturn, [state]park attendance will be one of the driving factors of our budgetary decisions in this area. I will do what I can to protect these parks from my seat in the legislature, and if this issue is important to you, I encourage you to help me by visiting a state park, and by contacting your legislators from around the state to encourage them to keep the funding intact for this critical part of Georgia’s heritage. The wealth of our natural resources here in Georgia is important to the future of our economy, and even more important to the future of our children.”

Rep. Scott sees Jekyll Island State Park as ranking among Georgia’s most prized natural assets, not only because of its unique natural features but also because it provides an affordable opportunity for people to experience the wonders of a barrier island. Jekyll’s revitalization should aim to accomplish necessary Park improvements—including the provision of decent and reasonably-priced lodgings and amenities—while serving Jekyll’s state park mission and living up to the Park’s founding principle of accessibility for average income citizens, said Rep. Scott.

With respect to the now defunct, but then active, JIA-Linger Longer Revitalization Partnering Agreement, Rep. Scott said he intended to look at the contract closely to determine whether the state is receiving an equitable return with respect to both Linger Longer’s proposed oceanfront time-share project and the $50 million of public funds allocated to cover the infrastructure costs associated with Linger Longer’s town center project.

As Governor, Rep. Scott said he would want his appointees to the JIA board to have experience in such areas as public land planning, recreation management, environmental science, and economic development so that they would be well-qualified to serve as park stewards. He also stated that he would require his board appointees to be free of any interests that might be inconsistent with the conscientious performance of their duties.

Overall, Rep. Scott stressed his commitment to protecting Georgia’s natural environment for public enjoyment and for the generations of Georgians to come. In concluding his remarks, he said, "I appreciate the work of people like David and Mindy Egan and the others who insist that we be good stewards of our public lands and state parks."