Coalition members working on resolution to recent Water Wars ruling
 With the considerable amount of rain this past spring, Lake Lanier’s residents, visitors and business owners have had a much more enjoyable summer than in 2008. But as the summer comes to a close, we must remember that the concern over Lake Lanier isn’t just about rainfall and its affect on Lanier’s levels; it is about long-term management that will ensure the lake’s health into perpetuity. That’s why the 1071 Coalition remains focused on our mission to advocate for appropriate water releases necessary to maintain optimal levels at Lake Lanier while meeting the needs of the entire ACF river basin.
Nothing makes the need for science-based, updated management practices of Lake Lanier more poignant than the July 17 court decision which ruled that water supply is an illegal use of the lake. U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson gave the states involved in the ongoing water wars – Alabama, Florida and Georgia – three years to come to a resolution or risk drastic cuts to metro Atlanta's water supply.
Members of the 1071 Coalition are obviously concerned about the ruling, and executive committee members have been conferring with leaders throughout the region over the last several weeks. A few members participated in a stakeholders meeting in July with Governor Sonny Perdue. The meeting started discussions of a strategy towards a resolution to the ruling and was attended by more than 100 local and state elected officials, business leaders, senior staff from several state agencies and the affected water utilities, and other interest groups. At the meeting, the governor emphasized that the threat to metro Atlanta is a threat to Georgia, and he stated that he is resolved to use his influence and the appropriate state resources to protect Georgia's interests in the ACF river system.
Economic impact study needed now more than ever
 The July 17 ruling makes the 1071 Coalition’s immediate objective, to determine and convey the impact Lake Lanier has on the region, even more critical. With preliminary results due by early October, the coalition-commissioned economic impact study will equip us and all Lake Lanier stakeholders with data supporting the fact that Lake Lanier is not just about recreation or even water supply. The study, for which the coalition is still in need of member contributions, is looking at the economic consequences of businesses and residents that depend on Lake Lanier, but also its regional impact. According to Ken Bleakly, the lead consultant conducting the study, “there will be a very significant story to tell regarding the number of industries involved with Lake Lanier and the financial and economic impact those industries have on the entire north Georgia region.”
We are concerned about our lake, and we must work together to communicate its importance as we remain involved in the state’s effort to seek a resolution in the water wars. We need to think bigger than our immediate needs. Yes, we need to maintain a watchful eye on the lake levels, but we believe that there is enough water to satisfy all users of the ACF river basin – if it is managed properly. Hopefully a responsible, science-based update of the Corps’ Water Control Manual will be one positive consequence of our current struggle. |
