"We have an obligation to preserve Lake Lanier's natural beauty for future generations of Georgians to enjoy," Barnes said. "This particular park is one of the most popular in the area and we need to help it thrive once again."
Barnes praised Gainesville and Hall County officials for trying to preserve Longwood Cove and the Longwood Creek watershed area.
"It's an important part of Lake Lanier, as are all of the watersheds. The city and county has done a good job of trying to balance growth and the conservation of nature," Barnes said.
The total cost of the project is estimated at $4.2 million with the Corp of Engineers and the City of Gainesville picking up portions of the bill.
Georgia's share will come from excess revenues generated by the state-owned Lake Lanier Islands.
The project, in addition to the dredging, will include facilities designed to control future silt problems in the cove. The silt buildup has been blamed by many on the developments which have occurred in recent years in the Pearl Nix Parkway/Dawsonville Highway area.
The finished project will also include benches, picnic areas and a walking trail, as well as wildlife habitat facilities in which visitors will be able to see nesting and feeding stations.
City officials said construction on the project should begin within a year. Plans are nearly complete on the final details of the project.
The governor also announced the state will be providing $100,000 to help with renovations at the Olympic Rowing Venue on Lake Lanier. The Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club (LCKC) and others have been seeking funding at the local, state, and national levels for the project. The Gainesville City Council and Hall County Board of Commissioners have each agreed to chip in $100,000.
LCKC's Connie Hagler said in February the venue is in need of five million dollars in funding to make it adequate for large events such as the 2003 Canoe-Kayak World Championships.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2002/9/190407