Governor Perdue Announces Water Talks Extended

Governor Perdue encouraged by progress, says talks can be complete by March 1

ATLANTA –Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that discussions will continue among federal agencies and the states of Georgia, Florida and Alabama to develop a drought management plan.

“I am encouraged by the progress that we have made, and I believe that a short extension will allow us the time to continue working to find a solution,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “This was an aggressive timeline and Georgia remains committed to these negotiations.”

At a meeting on December 17 in Tallahassee, FL, Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne and the Governors of Georgia, Alabama and Florida collectively agreed upon a deadline of February 15 to reach a resolution in the tri-state water negotiations.

“I believe the three states have made real progress toward reaching agreement,” Kempthorne said today.  “Therefore, I have agreed to extend the time for our discussions.  I remain committed to seeing a resolution to these longstanding issues, and I know the three governors remain committed as well.”

Secretary Kempthorne and the states have agreed to extend today’s deadline by at least a week, as representatives will continue to meet and make progress towards developing drought management plans for the ACF and ACT river basins. 

“Secretary Kempthorne’s contributions have been instrumental in working towards a solution that is beneficial to all states,” added Governor Perdue.  

Governor Perdue requested the extension in a letter to Secretary Kempthorne late yesterday, saying that he believes discussions can be completed by March 1.

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