Rep. Barrett Meets with Corps Officials Regarding Lake Levels

Washington, DC – Congressman Gresham Barrett (SC-03) met earlier this week with General Schroedel, commander of the South Atlantic Division, US Army Corps of Engineers to discuss the current drought situation and a better way forward.  At the meeting Congressman Barrett followed up on a formal request he recently made to the Savannah Corps of Engineers that the releases from Lake Thurmond are kept at 3100cfs for as long as possible.  In addition, Congressman Barrett has asked for a plan of action from the Corps of Engineers for any future drought conditions that are likely to occur.

"I appreciate the complexities of managing our lakes and rivers, especially during drought conditions, and I talked with the General about those concerns," said Barrett. "There have to be common sense solutions that can be implemented to reduce the overall effects of a drought on our lakes. The government, whether federal or state, should learn from mistakes of the past and find better solutions for any future drought situations. In my meeting with General Schroedel I specifically asked what obstacles remain and what lessons have been learned and look forward to a timely and full response from the Corps."

Congressman Barrett has maintained constant contact with the Army Corps of Engineers, lake community organizations, his constituents, and representatives from both Georgia and South Carolina state government on this issue. In fact, since coming to Congress in 2003, Barrett has put lake levels and water related issues at the top of his agenda. Working with Governor Sanford, Barrett made sure a representative from his office is able to attend state level meetings affecting the Savannah River basin.

###