DORIE TURNER, Associated Press
ATLANTA – Members of a statewide task force said Wednesday they want to offer low-interest state loans to build new reservoirs and wells in hopes of increasing Georgia’s water supply, which has been threatened by long-running disputes with neighboring Alabama and Florida.
The recommendations from Gov. Nathan Deal’s task force were made public for the first time as the state fights to maintain access to reservoirs in its borders. Alabama and Florida maintain Georgia uses too much water from Lake Lanier and Lake Allatoona, leaving too little for communities and wildlife downstream.
The state’s task force wants to spend $300 million that Deal has promised to expand water supply by building multi-million reservoirs, reopening inactive wells or drilling new wells. The state should offer loans to cities and towns for such projects, the task force said.
“We view this program as a compliment to the conservation efforts that are already in place,” task force chairman Kevin Clark said.