Drought: Macon offers water to ATL airport

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

The city of Macon has offered to sell water to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Mayor Jack Ellis says he discussed the idea with Atlanta officials yesterday and is waiting to hear what their needs are and what storage capacity is available.

Ellis says he was inspired by televised statements from Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin asking residents to conserve water because the lingering drought is threatening the water supply.

The Macon Water Authority says the middle Georgia city has a 6.5 billion gallon reservoir with enough water to supply the area for nearly 500 days.

Click here for comprehensive GPB News coverage of the drought.

(The Associated Press)

Macon's mayor may run for Congress

Macon Mayor, Jack Ellis, leaves office in December and now he's eying a seat in Congress.

Ellis has formed a committee so he can start raising money. He also plans to travel around the district to gauge support and talk with potential voters. He says the 8th District needs a "real" democrat.

He made those comments after Congressman Jim Marshall voted against expanding SCHIP, a government program that provides insurance to the working poor.

Ellis recently stirred controversy when he sent a letter of support to Venezuelan dictator, Hugo Chavez. Earlier in the year he converted to Islam and announced plans to change his name to Hakim Mansour Ellis.

If Ellis does run. it will be Marshall's first challenge by a fellow democrat since taking office. Republican Rick Goddard will be running as well.