Sen. Wilkinson and other Georgia Legislators Discuss Lake Levels with South Carolina Lawmakers

04162013_ SCGAWaterMeetingATLANTA (May 3, 2013) – Sen. John Wilkinson (R-Toccoa) joined with the Savannah River Caucus, a group of Georgia lawmakers whose districts fall along the Savannah River Water Basin, in a bi-state meeting with their counterparts in South Carolina to discuss water management on April 16th.

“Water issues are nothing new to Georgia, and it remains a legislative priority for me,” said Sen. Wilkinson.  “This meeting was the perfect opportunity to address water levels at Lake Hartwell, which is between Georgia and South Carolina along Stephens and Franklin counties.

Lake Hartwell, like many bodies of water, is an economic driver in this region.  It is paramount for both environmental and economic reasons that water management here is flexible to adapt to current environmental factors such as drought and federal mandated downstream requirements.”

Lake Hartwell is a man-made reservoir with a 962-mile shoreline and a popular recreational lake destination in the Southeast.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, a federal agency, manages the water levels at Lake Hartwell.  Therefore, congressional action will most likely be needed to change current regulations.  Already, U.S. Reps. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) and Jeff Duncan (R-S.C.) are working together on the federal level to address the water issues on a broader scale.

“I remain committed to finding a long-term water solution for Lake Hartwell and the surrounding region including Russell Lake and the Savannah River Basin,” said Sen. Wilkinson.  “Only with a united front can we effect change in this region to improve tourism and reduce environmental costs.”

RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
May 3, 2013

For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director
Kate Greer, Broadcast Specialist
Kate.Greer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028