Ga. Senator (R) Saxby Chambliss speaking with reporters at the La Grange, Ga., City Hall on Monday, Jan 7, 2008. (Photo: Dave Bender)
Republican Senator Saxby-Chamblis toured West Point Lake today, and met with local and Troup county officials to hear about the drought's effect on local businesses.
Chamber of Commerce representatives told Chamblis that the steadily-encroaching mud flats bordering on the lake have taken a severe toll on businesses catering to water recreation and area housing values:
“The economy in this part of the state is suffering in a huge way, as a result of the lake level being at 622, even though we've had an increase up to almost 627, right now – it's been nothing short of a disaster.”
Private boat docks high and dry along West Point Lake, at Lagrange, Ga., Monday, Jan. 7, 2008. (Photo: Dave Bender)
The recent storms have raised the lake five feet from 622 to 627 feet, Chamblis told reporters at a press conference on the steps of the La Grange City Hall. He said that one outcome of the meeting was to keep lines of communication open between local residents, the US Army Corps of Engineers and state officials over water usage.
Chamblis said the drought and water levels would have no effect on the Kia auto manufacturing plant being built nearby, and scheduled to open in 2009:
“There will not be any effect, from a commercial standpoint on the amount of water that's needed to make sure that all of our commercial and residentail facilities have adequate water.”
Exposed tree stumps now clearing water-level (seen in the center of the photo) create a boating hazard on West Point Lake, at La Grange, Ga. (Photo: Dave Bender)
Private boat docks high and dry along West Point Lake, at Lagrange, Ga., Monday, Jan. 7, 2008. (Photo: Dave Bender)
Chamblis will visit Lake Lanier north of Atlanta on Tuesday, along with Gainesville, and other drought-stricken areas.
Click here for more GPB News coverage of the drought.
