On Wednesday, Ga. Rep. John Lunsford was presented with a 2008 Legislative Service Award by the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia at the organization’s fourth district meeting. Lunsford’s district includes Newton, Butts and Henry counties.

ACCG presents Legislative Service Awards to recognize lawmakers who have demonstrated leadership and interest in improving county governments for the benefit of Georgia’s citizens. Presented annually, the award has gained recognition among elected and appointed officials as a prestigious way to acknowledge Georgia lawmakers for exemplary leadership.

In response to the tremendous demand for new transportation infrastructure investments across the state, Rep. Lunsford sponsored House Bill 1019 to create a State Infrastructure Bank – a revolving loan fund for local government transportation projects.

The legislation was modeled on similar banks in 33 other states. Counties can apply for loans or other financial assistance to accelerate needed transportation projects. Projects can include roads, bridges, transit, rail, airports and bicycle/pedestrian facilities. Gov. Sonny Perdue capitalized the bank with more than $38 million in the Fiscal Year 2009 budget.