The state of Georgia will sue the Army Corps of Engineers over its water releases from Lake Lanier and the state’s federal reservoirs. Governor Sonny Perdue late Wednesday afternoon released a statement saying "the Corps’ nonsensical action to further release vital water from Georgia’s already depleted federal reservoirs must not stand". The statement continues, saying "there is simply no scientific justification to operate these reservoirs in this manner during a historic drought like the one we are experiencing. ...I must do all within my power to protect our citizens during this devastating drought".
The Corps of Engineers in a letter to the Governor earlier in the day, said it is abiding by federal guidelines, but that their officials are exploring possible drought contingency options. Last week Perdue demanded the Corps cut the release of water from north Georgia lakes, to give reservoirs time to recharge. Millions of gallons of water are sent downstream to neighboring states Alabama and Florida. The ongoing drought has heightened tensions between the three states, over how to best manage the region's limited water supply.
The Corps of Engineers in a letter to the Governor earlier in the day, said it is abiding by federal guidelines, but that their officials are exploring possible drought contingency options. Last week Perdue demanded the Corps cut the release of water from north Georgia lakes, to give reservoirs time to recharge. Millions of gallons of water are sent downstream to neighboring states Alabama and Florida. The ongoing drought has heightened tensions between the three states, over how to best manage the region's limited water supply.
