More on the Apaalchicola River Grab

Senator Calls Apalachicola Plan Unacceptable

June 6, 2008

Florida’s representatives in Congress are taking up the fight to stop an Army Corps of Engineers Plan that would cut water flows into the Apalachicola River. Senator Bill Nelson and Congressman Allen Boyd on Thursday circulated a letter expressing serious concerns about the effects that the low water flows would have on the Apalachicola River and Bay and questioning the legality of the new water plan. The Corps of Engineers plans to cut water flows in the Apalachicola River system to refill reservoirs upstream that are running low because of an extended drought in the southeast. Under the plan, water flows would be lowered to 5000 cubic feet per second and could drop to 4500 cubic feet per second under severe drought conditions. The lower flows could continue for 5 years, which many believe, would damage the Apalachicola Bay and its multi-million dollar seafood industry. Senator Nelson said “The Corps plan is unacceptable – posing a serious threat to the livelihoods of the fishermen and oyster harvesters who rely on the river to make a living.” Congressman Boyd said the new water plan is especially frustrating because he sees it as a reward for Georgia’s lack of long term water planning.”