A bill that lawmakers recently passed out of a congressional committee contains elements aimed at ensuring safety along the Chattahoochee River downstream from Buford Dam.
The legislation, known as the Water Resources Development Act, would require the Army Corps of Engineers to study the potential dangers along recreational areas and how to address them.
"During a release, the Chattahoochee can rise as much as 11 feet in minutes," said Congresswoman Carolyn Bourdeaux (D-Ga). "While the Army Corps of Engineers usually releases water from Buford Dam during weekday afternoons–––in some situations, unscheduled water releases can come on mornings and on weekends."
There are already some warning systems in place. People can call 770-945-1466, listen to 610 AM on the radio, or check the release schedule online. Still, Bordeaux believes the number of rescues along the river following releases shows the current system isn't enough.
"We're blessed in Georgia, to have policymakers that are interested in protecting our citizens while they are using our natural resources," Katherine, Zitsch, Managing Director of Natural Resources at the Atlanta Regional Commission, told AccessWDUN. "I see the value of having people see the Chattahoochee River because it is also our water supply source for the region, and making sure that that's safe as people recreate on the Chattahoochee River and Lake Lanier is just critically important."
Based on the study's findings, the Corps could implement other necessary safety measures to help alert the public more efficiently if there are dangers on the river.
