President Carter speaks out for Flint River

More than 100 river enthusiasts wrapped up a trip down the Flint River, vowing to fight any effort to change things downstream.

The Flint River begins as a spring, just under Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. From there the river travels more than 200 miles into South Georgia. There is meets up with the Chatahoochee.

In recent months Congressmen Nathan Deal and Lynn Westmoreland have discussed building new dams on the Flint to feed reservoirs. Westmoreland is asking for 10-million dollars to study the idea. Environmentalists are against it.

Former President, Jimmy Carter fought against building dams on the Flint in the 1970's. He joined paddlers in Oglethorpe as they wrapped up a week long trip on the Flint and warned them about what lies ahead.

"You ought to prepare for a massive fight because the Chambers of Commerce, and the promise of employment and the promise of recreation and in this case the promise of more water somehow getting into Atlanta and taking pressure off Lake Lanier. All of those are going to be put forward and you need to be organized and willing to work on it and prepared."

Officials with the Georgia River Network also announced the formation of the Flint Riverkeeper. This is the 7th protection group in Georgia formed under the Waterkeeper Alliance.