ATLANTA - For the first time in the history of redistricting in Georgia, Republicans are in charge of deciding how the lines will be drawn and are expected to take advantage of their new-found power.

Lawmakers are set to head back to the Georgia Capitol on Aug. 15 to redefine the geographic political boundaries for offices including legislative and congressional districts and county election precincts.

Georgia's growth has gained the state an additional congressional seat, which is likely to be drawn in north Georgia - where most of the population boom occurred as people flocked to the region for jobs.

The state's coast has also thrived, with tourism jobs bringing people to the area. But in south Georgia, population has largely dipped as agriculture, the region's main economy, has struggled.