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Nelson, Dunn Offer Measures In Wake Of 'Water War' Ruling In Georgia's Favor

A view from the docks in the Apalachicola Bay.
Jason Tereska
/
WFSU News

A special master’s ruling favoring Georgia in a water fight impacting the Apalachicola Bay is being sent to the U.S. Supreme Court. Now two of Florida’s U.S. representatives are trying to hammer out another solution that could address Apalachicola’s problems.

U.S. Senator Bill Nelson is filing a bill requiring the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to increase the water flow downstream into the Apalachicola River and Bay. Florida and Georgia have been fighting over water use in the regional system that also supplies water for Georgia’s consumption and agriculture use.

Meanwhile, North Florida Congressman Neal Dunn wants the Corps to pause its plan to increase water for Georgia until the agency meets with Florida officials. He’s also planning to file a resolution to block the agency’s new water rules regarding the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River system.

A special master appointed by the nation’s high court to oversee the case determined the Apalachicola Bay and River are being harmed by low water flows and suggested the state should take issue with the policies of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

 

Follow @HatterLynn

Lynn Hatter is a Florida A&M University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Lynn has served as reporter/producer for WFSU since 2007 with education and health care issues as her key coverage areas.  She is an award-winning member of the Capital Press Corps and has participated in the NPR Kaiser Health News Reporting Partnership and NPR Education Initiative. 

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