Governor Perdue Visits CTC to Address Tri-State Water Issue

August 5, 2009 - Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue spoke to a crowd of nearly 200 people at Columbus Technical College Wednesday to address concerns over the water wars between Georgia, Alabama and Florida. The Governor also revealed what the State plans to do regarding a recent court decision about Metro Atlanta's water usage. Invited guests included elected officials, representatives from the Department of Natural Resources, farmers and other water stakeholders from all over middle Georgia.

Governor Perdue started his remarks drawing the comparison from his meeting to a "family discussion" and he wanted to make sure the concerns of his constituency weren't based on misconceptions and/or misunderstandings. The Governor also touted the impact Columbus makes on the state of Georgia, siting the KIA development, BRAC, NCR relocation, Aflac and other economic coups our area has seen, or will see, in recent years.

Perdue Water Meeting
August 5, 2009: Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue addresses a packed house at a water stakeholders meeting held at Columbus Technical College.

A common theme to his remarks was reiterating his desire to negotiate an agreement on water usage between Georgia and Alabama and Florida. He was quick to point out that he wants to make sure Georgia and the Middle Chattahoochee region aren't shortchanged in the process.

"I have never, nor will I ever, agree to any deal giving the Middle Chattahoochee less water than it needs," the Governor said.

Governor Perdue also discussed what he describes as Florida's "real argument," saying it has nothing to do with endangered species but rather the fishing industry in the Apalachicola Bay area.

The next four steps, Governor Perdue said, are "the appeal, contingency planning, negotiations and Congressional reauthorization as directed by U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson in his ruling." Judge Magnuson ruled that Metro Atlanta can no longer use Lake Lanier for its water supply.

Sonny Perdue has submitted an offer to Alabama Governor Bill Riley and Florida Governor Charlie Crist, urging them to come to the negotiation table. He said they have 40 days and times from which to choose but is concerned they'd rather litigate than negotiate.

Governor Perdue will host a similar meeting in Albany, Georgia on Thursday, August 6, 2009.