Study: Low lake level didn't hurt SC-GA economy

HARTWELL - A new study says low water levels in Lake Hartwell caused no major economic impact in six counties around the lake on the South Carolina-Georgia state line.

The Strom Thurmond Institute at Clemson University studied the impact of the 2007-2008 drought.

The report says the impact of the low water level on the value of goods and services in the region was less 1 percent over the 21-month period.

Lake Hartwell dropped to a 22-foot low during the drought. The study was paid for by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and studied Pickens, Anderson and Oconee counties in South Carolina as well as Hart, Franklin and Stephens counties in Georgia.

But Dan Marett with the Western Carolina Sailing Club says the impact was significant on the industry directly tied to the water.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2010/11/233684