House Resolution 56

Chair's Name: Lynn Smith

Committee: Natural Resources & Environment

House Sponsor: John Heard

HR 56 urges the Army Corp of Engineers and Congress to begin a study of the costs and effects of adding to the storage capacities of all the Corp reservoirs located in Georgia.

The committee substitute received a Do Pass recommendation from the Natural Resources & Environment Committee and comes to the House Floor under the Open Rule. 

Chairman Smith�s Opinion of this legislation:

WHAT PROBLEM/OPPORTUNITY DOES THIS LEGISLATION ADDRESS?

Drought over the past few years and mistakes by the US Army Corps of Engineers have lowered the water level and storage of Corps lakes in Georgia to critical levels.

WHAT IS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THIS LEGISLATION?

By raising the height of the summer conservation pool levels, the storage capacity of Corps lakes would be increased, resulting in greater availability of water for recreation and water supply.  This would/could quickly add to the total water supply rather than waiting for reservoirs to be sighted, permitted, constructed and filled.  This would promote better water management.

THIS LEGISLATION:

�         Could save substantial amounts of money by not having to pay for the construction of several additional reservoirs.