Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia
Department 600 - STATE SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Chapter 600-2 - CONSERVATION COMMISSION FUNCTION
Rule 600-2-.01 - Duties of the Conservation Commission

(a) The Commission shall issue appropriate regulations governing the conduct of hearings and referenda for the creation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts and provide for the registration prior to the date of the referendum of all eligible voters, or prescribe some other appropriate procedure for the determination of those eligible to vote in such referendum.

(b) Perform all State-level administrative functions necessary in the operation of Georgia's 40 Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

(c) Consistent with the Soil and Water Conservation Districts Law, approve or disapprove all District actions.

(d) Act in an advisory capacity on District programs and coordinate the programs of the 40 Soil and Water Conservation Districts in the State.

(e) Keep the State's 370 Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisors informed of activities and experiences of other districts and facilitate an interchange of advice and experience among Districts.

(f) Provide assistance when and where needed to District Supervisors in carrying out their powers and programs.

(g) On behalf of the Governor, receive, review and approve or disapprove applications for assistance under the provisions of P.L. 566(otherwise known as the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act) and recommend priorities for planning on such applications. The Commission is also responsible for approval of final watershed work plans.

(h) Secure the cooperation and assistance of the United States and any of its agencies and of the agencies and counties of this state in the work of the Districts.

(i) Receive gifts, appropriations, materials, equipment, lands and facilities; manage, operate and dispense same.

(j) Keep Districts informed of any changes in the Districts Law, operational policies and procedures, and other matters of importance to the District.

(k) As prescribed by District Law, the Conservation Commission shall appoint one supervisor per county in all districts made up of two counties or more and two supervisors per county in all single-county districts. Appointments are made from a list of three nominees provided by the elected supervisors in the districts and are for terms of two years.

(l) The Conservation Commission shall supervise the conduct of elections for supervisors so that one eligible voter in each county is elected except in two-county districts where two supervisors are elected from each county and in single-county districts where three supervisors are elected from within the county. Supervisors are elected to four-year terms by the qualified electors in their counties upon timely submission of a petition signed by not less than thirty (30) qualified electors from the county in which the election will be held.

(m) The Commission may conduct such public meetings and public hearings as necessary for a final determination upon petition from 25 or more landowners asking for discontinuance of a District.

(o) Enter into contracts and agreements with the Districts, municipalities, and counties of this state, other agencies of this state, the United States and any agencies thereof, any association, and landowner or land occupier, or any person in order to carry out the purposes of this article.

(p) Receive grants from any agency of the United States Government or any agencies of this state, and to make grants to Districts, municipalities, or counties of this state, or other state agencies in order to carry out the purposes of this article.