North Ga. Mountain Authority moves to keep ownership of resort

At the December 5, 2006 meeting of the North Georgia Mountains Authority (NGMA) the board passed a motion to rescind its plan to appraise the Brasstown Valley and Lake Blacksbear Resorts. The intent was to determine the market value of the resorts and that informtion would be part of an overall to plan the

management strategy of these state assets. At its September meeting when the board was receiving a presentation on plans for the expansion of the resorts, it was suggested that the Authority take a broader view and look at whether the NGMA should continue to own the properties, or to sell the properties so that the resorts may be expanded utilizing private capital.

The authority discussed the issue thoroughly and made note of the related issues. Brasstown was developed as an “Environmental Model,” and the state and the Department of Natural Resources has used the resort as leadership example on environmentally responsible land development practices. Lake Blackbear Resort has had a similar effect and is within the boundaries of Georgia Veterans State Park.

Warren Budd, Chairman of the Authority pointed out that both projects were offered to the development community in a public/private partnership. The private sector was made available an opportunity to invest, and there were no takers. “The horse has left the barn, so for the state to take the early risk, and to now bring in private partners would be inappropriate.” “The state should maintain ownership, and should continue to operate the resorts in a thoughtful and careful manner.”

“Both Brasstown Valley and Lake Blackshear Resorts are operated by private companies under the direction of the authority so an appropriate amount of private participaion is already in place,” stated State Representative Charles Jenkins who’s district encompasses Towns County, where Brasstown is located. “This resort has had a very positive impact on the community and the local economy, and we are confident that by remaining under state ownership that the resort will be operated in a very responsible manner.”

At the same meeting the NGMA Board discussed the need for future expansion.

Board member Ralph Callaway reminded the board that it was the resolve of the board that expansion must take place to keep the resorts appealing to the customer, that led into the appraisal discussion. “We would not be meeing our responsibility to sit quiet on that issue and not take any action.” “Now that the board has concluded that NGMA should continue to own the properties, we must look forward to determine how to proceed.” Board member Walter Hudson, also Board Chairman of the Department of Natural Resources stated, “we should direct the staff to really study this issue and to quickly bring recommendations to the board.” “We would like to see something to consider as early as the meeting next February.” Mr. Hudson offered the comment in the form of a motion that passed with unanimous consent.

Representative Johnny Floyd who’s district includes Crisp County, the location of Lake Blackshear Resort, reponded to the board’ decision, “ I commend and support the decision of the Authority that the state maintain ownership of the resorts.” “It was the state’s decision to build the properties to serve the needs of the communities in which they exist, and that will be better done with a higher level of state involvement.”