Perdue responds to water ruling
July 17, 2009 at 5:33 pm by Thomas Wheatley in News
Gov. Sonny Perdue has released a statement on Judge Paul Magnuson’s ruling that metro Atlanta’s use of Lake Lanier as its water supply is illegal:
“Obviously, I am deeply disappointed by Judge Magnuson’s decision today. His conclusions rely on decades-old assumptions about the construction of federal reservoirs and the role those reservoirs play in providing water supply for growing states such as Georgia. Our country has changed substantially since the 1940s, when many of these reservoirs were constructed, and I will use this opportunity not only to appeal the judge’s decision but, most importantly, to urge Congress to address the realities of modern reservoir usage. The judge’s ruling allows a three-year window for either Congressional action or an agreement by the states and we will work diligently with Georgia’s delegation and members of Congress to re-establish the proper use of federal reservoirs throughout the country.”
Perdue’s always talking about how the country has changed. Regardless, the AJC’s Jim Galloway, who knows where the bodies are buried, writes that Georgia’s Congressional delegation has scheduled a rare meeting on Monday to get lawmakers on the same page. His post is worth a read if you’re wondering about the political dynamics at play on this issue.
(CL file photo Joeff Davis)
July 19th, 2009 at 10:01 am
Am I the only one who thinks this ruling might actually be good news?
http://www.lakelanier.com/blogs/judges-lake-lanier-ruling-actually-good-news/
July 19th, 2009 at 10:46 am
Am I the only one who wants to boycott the state of Florida? Why should I spend my tourist dollars in a state that has such little disdain for me and my way of life? There are beaches without 30 story condos piled on them and with slimeless water that are closer than Destin and PCB. Wake up Atlantans! Your 5 million voices can be heard!
July 19th, 2009 at 11:56 am
Steve, You’re not the only one who thinks the water ruling could be a good thing, if by that you mean that a moratorium on Metro Atlanta sprawl and some requirement for sensible water use would be good. If additional folks who would have lived in the burbs come to live in the city’s vacant condos and apts it will help air quality, reduce traffic congestion and maybe raise the collective IQ.
July 19th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
Yeah Steve…I agree…not to mention how it would increase the opportunities for those pesky Tech and Atlantic Station area muggers.