Several Hall County projects and one commissioner were honored Friday at the Hall County Green Alliance’s annual awards ceremony.

Hall County Resource Recovery received the Project/Initiative of the Year Award for Public Education and Outreach for the second year in a row. The group was recognized for its “Caught GREEN Handed” program Nov. 16-20 to recognize residents for recycling efforts. Representatives handed out prizes at various compactor sites and some homes.

Hall County and the city of Gainesville were recognized for the purchase and installation of the Flat Creek Bandalong Litter Trap, a device purchased, operated and maintained through an intergovernmental agreement. The litter trap, which addresses the issue of litter flowing into Flat Creek and Lake Lanier, earned the Alliance’s Project of the Year Award for Land and Water.

The Hall County Green Alliance also honored Hall County for its part in the Interstate 985 Exit 17 Park and Ride Lot/Sidewalk Initiative, in which the county partnered with the Department of Transportation, city of Oakwood and University of North Georgia to build an ADA-accessible sidewalk. The project was hailed as the 2015 Project of the Year Award for Air/Energy for its partnership and innovation, resulting in highly-utilized and “green” transportation infrastructure. 

District 2 Commissioner Billy Powell was honored as the 2015 Elected Official of the Year for his continuing push for a more efficient government and better service. He was also commended for his work with the annual Shore Sweep event and his involvement in both the Hall County Green Alliance and Keep Hall Beautiful.