Resolution to Correct Georgia’s Northern Boundary Line Passes Senate HR 4 validates claim to portion of the Tennessee River

ATLANTA (March 25, 2013) – A resolution calling for the correction of almost 200-year-old survey errors along Georgia’s northern border  passed the Georgia State Senate today by a vote of 48 to 2. Sen. President Pro Tempore David Shafer (R – Duluth), who sponsored similar legislation in 2008, presented the resolution to the full Senate body.

“The Tennessee Valley Authority has identified the Tennessee River as a likely source of water for North Georgia,” said Sen. Shafer.  “Yet the State of Tennessee has used mismarked boundary lines to block our access to this important waterway.”

House Resolution 4 proposes a settlement of the boundary dispute and directs the Attorney General to commence litigation if no agreement is reached with Tennessee.

The proposed settlement would clarify Georgia’s access to the Tennessee River.  If no settlement is reached, the Attorney General is directed to sue for the entire area south of the 35th parallel.

“Georgia’s streams and creeks feed the Tennessee River,” Shafer said. “In fact, over six percent of the water of the Tennessee River originates in Georgia.”

House Resolution 4 now returns to the House for agreement on amendments made by the Senate.

RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
March 25, 2013

For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director
Jennifer.Yarber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028