georgia.gov

Governor Perdue Invites Alabama, Florida Back to Water Negotiations

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Contact: Office of Communications 404-651-7774

ATLANTA –Governor Sonny Perdue today invited the governors of Alabama and Florida to return to the table and resume water negotiations, offering 40 different dates for the two to consider. Governor Perdue offered to host the talks in Atlanta or meet the governors at another mutually agreed-upon location.

“Water issues have dominated the headlines in recent days, and I have read statements from both of you that indicate your willingness to resume water negotiations,” Governor Perdue wrote in a letter to both governors. “Judge Magnuson’s insistence on a Congressional solution was specifically related to authority for Lanier and did not address the allocation of water in the basins between the three states. I have always believed that a negotiated settlement that protects the rights and resources of all three states is the most lasting solution.”

The 40 possible dates offered by Governor Perdue include:

Wednesday, August 12; Thursday, August 13; Monday, August 17; Wednesday, August 19; Thursday, August 20; anytime during the Southern Governors Association meeting Friday, August 21, Saturday, August 22, Sunday, August 23, and Monday, August 24; Tuesday, August 25; Friday, August 28; Monday, August 31; Thursday, September 3; Tuesday, September 8; Thursday, September 10; Monday, September 14; Monday, September 21; Monday, September 28; Tuesday, September 29; Wednesday, September 30; Thursday, October 1; Monday, October 5; Tuesday, October 6; Wednesday, October 7; Thursday, October 8; Friday, October 9; Thursday, October 15; Tuesday, October 20; Wednesday, October 21; Thursday, October 22; Friday, October 23; Monday, October 26; Tuesday, October 27; Wednesday, October 28; Thursday, October 29; Friday, October 30; Monday, November 2; Tuesday, November 3; Wednesday, November 4; and Thursday, November 5.

Below is the full text of the letter sent by Governor Perdue:

Dear Governor Riley & Governor Crist,

Water issues have dominated the headlines in recent days, and I have read statements from both of you that indicate your willingness to resume water negotiations. Judge Magnuson’s insistence on a Congressional solution was specifically related to authority for Lanier and did not address the allocation of water in the basins between the three states. I have always believed that a negotiated settlement that protects the rights and resources of all three states is the most lasting solution.

Accordingly, I am available to meet with the two of you on any of the following days:

I know your calendars are busy, but I trust that at least one of these 40 dates will work with both of your schedules. I will be delighted to host the talks here in Atlanta or join you at a different mutually agreed upon location. Please contact me as soon as possible with your preferred dates so that we can begin to prepare for a productive session.

Sincerely,

Sonny Perdue

###