Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a field hearing in Apalachicola on August 13th

A U.S. Senate Committee has agreed to meet in Apalachicola this month to discuss the impacts of decreased river flows on the Apalachicola Bay.

For over 20 years the states of Florida, Georgia and Alabama have been fighting over water use from the Apalachicola, Chattahoochee Flint River system.

As more development occurs along the river there is less water flowing into the Apalachicola Bay which is having a negative impact on the oyster fishery as well as on other marine species that use the bay as a nursery.

The Apalachicola Bay produces 90 percent of Florida’s oysters and 10 percent of the nation’s supply.

Florida Senator Marco Rubio has announced that the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a field hearing in Apalachicola, Florida to examine the impacts of decreased water flows on the Apalachicola Bay and surrounding industries.

The hearing, titled, “Effects of Water Flows on Apalachicola Bay: Short and Long Term Perspectives”, is scheduled to take place on August 13th.

The hearing is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. at the Franklin County Courthouse Annex in Apalachicola.

Senator Rubio said “It is extremely important to the people of Florida that my colleagues are able to see firsthand the dire impacts the decreased water flows have had on what was once a vibrant, healthy bay, which is home to a booming oyster industry. Understanding the effects of this disaster on the local community, supporting industries and regional economy are key to appreciating the significance of the Apalachicola Bay and its situation.”

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