Former Hinesville Mayor Tom Ratcliffe just ended a term as chairman of the Coastal Regional Commission and has been named to head the CRC’s infrastructure committee.

Ratcliffe is one of several local officials appointed to CRC committees as Effingham County Commissioner Reggie Loper began his term as chairman this month. Ratcliffe also serves on the budget and finance panel.

Ray Howard of Long County also serves on the infrastructure committee which deals with water, wastewater and storm drainage in 10 area counties.

Hinesville Mayor Allen Brown was named to continue his role as chairman of the CRC economic development committee; Long County Commission Chairman Mike Riddle also serves on this panel. The economic development committee helps cities and counties create jobs and capital investments.

Brown and Liberty Commission Chairman Donald Lovette are both members of the CRC military committee, headed by Richmond Hill Mayor Harold Fowler. The military committee works with military facilities in the area and with the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center to help with their continuation and expansion.

Fowler serves on the CRC ethics committee chaired by Lovette. Craig Root of Camden County is the third member of the ethics panel.

Ratcliffe and Dan Coty were recognized for perfect attendance at the CRC’s council meetings. Each received an American flag which had flown over the U.S. Capitol on July 4. Ratcliffe also received a plaque for his two years of service as chairman.

The commission serves Liberty, Long, Bryan, Chatham, Bulloch, Effingham, McIntosh, Camden, Glynn and Screven counties and the 35 cities in these counties. The CRC provides local and regional comprehensive planning services as well as specialized planning services in transportation, water resources, and historic preservation.