GAINESVILLE - The City of Gainesville says it is not interested in becoming involved in a "Water Authority" with Hall County but is putting on hold for now the design plans for its Cedar Creek Reservoir. But, County Commission Chairman Tom Oliver says he's still hoping to work with the city to create a water authority.
That's the essence of a letter sent by Mayor Myrtle Figueras to county commission chairman Tom Oliver.
Hall County has its own reservoir - Glade Farm - in the works, and Oliver said the city needs to work with the county to prepare for the area's future water needs.
"The county, in technical terms, is going to have more raw water than the city of Gainesville," he said.
Oliver said that's why he's hoping to work with the city to create a water authority.
"It's time that the City of Gainesville decided that Hall County's going to be a player," Oliver said. "And if they decide they'd prefer to go it alone, then we'll have raw water we can sell to other counties."
Mayor Figueras went on to request a meeting between city and county officials as soon as possible to discuss water source alternatives for the city and county. "Time is of the essence," the mayor wrote because of a federal judge's ruling affecting future withdrawals from Lake Lanier. "It will take a minimum of eleven moths to design and 18 months to build any treatment facilities. This represents 29 of the remaining available months.
The judge's ruling, which was issued in July, said any changes to the rules and regulations governing the use of water in Lanier must be approved by Congress within three years of his order.
Mayor Figueras also told Oliver "Therefore, in order to ensure we all understand how we are moving forward we will put our design plans on hold for a short period of time to meeting with you, your Commission members, and staff. It is imperative we are all on the same page; but, not lose (sight) of the fact the Judge's order is before us."
Sunday
July 7th, 2024
12:39PM
