GNB Update

It's Wednesday...the halfway point of the week...Here's the news...

The drought may have disappeared...but the watering restrictions will remain...

That was the word from Georgia Environmental Protection Division spokesman Kevin Chambers regarding the current status of water levels statewide. He says that despite recent rains, Lake Lanier is still below its full level. That means the restrictions on when metro Atlanta residents can water their plants or wash their cars will likely stay in place this summer. Lake Lanier provides most of the water supply to the metro Atlanta area.

Some much-needed funds for a leading public transportation system. Macon.com reports that the Bibb County Commission yesterday agreed to give the Macon-Bibb County Transit Authority $185,000 in reserves to keep operating through the rest of this fiscal year. But the city of Macon still do its part to keep the buses running, as it must give out a proportionate amount of those funds. In all, transit officials are asking for more than $460,000 both Macon and Bibb, as well as another $590,000 to cover a federal grant.

The CEO of one of Georgia's most visible companies has a positive outlook on an otherwise down economy. Coca-Cola CEO Muhtar Kent told shareholders earlier today that he sees an opportunity to increase its market share during tough times. He says that the company is focusing its efforts on selling its top brands in emerging market such as China, as well as in the U.S. and Mexico. Kent did say, though, that there was the possibility that Coca-Cola would miss its targets by at least one quarter this year. The Atlanta-based soft-drink manufacturer saw its shares drop more than 30 cents to almost $43 earlier today.

That's the news. GNB is available online 24/7 at georgianewsbeat.blogspot.com. Enjoy your Wednesday night.