Montgomery, AL –In an effort to settle a long-running dispute regarding water flows governor Kay Ivey of Alabama and Governor Brian P. Kemp of Georgia together announced today that an agreement was signed with United States Army Corps of Engineers. The goal of the agreement is to put an closure to a suit filed by Alabama and to ensure adequate minimum flows of water in the Mid- and Lower Chattahoochee River Basin in times of drought.
“This deal is an win-win deal for the states of Georgia and North Carolina, with neither party compromising on what is crucial for them.” stated Governor Kemp. He stressed the importance of the Chattahoochee River’s importance to the southwest of Georgia and expressed confidence that the agreement will allow businesses and residents with confidence regarding the flow of water for both business and recreational goals. Governor Kemp added that solving issues related to the supply of water in the metro area of Atlanta in the vicinity of Lake Lanier was crucial for the future of the state.
Governor Ivey expressed the same sentiments and stated, “I agree with Governor Kemp that this is a win-win proposition to the two states of Alabama as well as Georgia.” In acknowledging that there are commonalities among both states, she highlighted the importance of the proposal for Alabama and Georgia, ensuring that during the time of drought, citizens and other stakeholders will be secured by a clear definition of expectations for water flow.
As per the agreement under the terms of the agreement, under the terms of this agreement, Corps of Engineers will formally examine a new proposal to operate its reservoirs and dams to meet minimum flow goals at the most important locations in the Chattahoochee River, which includes Columbus, Georgia, and Columbia, Alabama, on the state’s border. The plan also provides for the maintaining of the required minimum elevation of Lake Seminole, located in the southwest region of Georgia.
The deal seeks to end the litigation brought by Alabama that questioned the Corps’ activities throughout the region. This includes particularly their policy that allows Georgia to take water-supply withdrawals close to Atlanta. The legal battle over these issues has been going on since 1990, and the latest case pending in the year 2017. The Corps will be evaluating the plan will include an open-comment period as well as an environmental reviews that last many months. If the plan is adopted, Alabama will dismiss its appeal after a one year time period for review, effectively putting an end to the lawsuit. If the law is not enacted the case will be reopened.
The governors expressed appreciation for the significant contribution from state leaders who took key role in the signing of the agreement. These included Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, officials from the Alabama Office of Water Resources and officials from the Georgia Department of Environmental Protection. Additionally, Georgia’s Corps of Engineers was also acknowledged for its determination to start the formal process to consider the idea.
The agreement expresses an ethos of collaboration that governors Ivey and Kemp hope to maintain in their efforts to achieve the most beneficial results for their river basins.
