Alabama Gov. Riley on Court Ruling in “Water Wars”

August 12, 2008 -- MONTGOMERY -- “Today’s court order means that the end is in sight for the 18-year-old water war litigation concerning Atlanta’s water withdrawals at Lake Lanier,” said Governor Riley. “The federal appellate court in Washington has already validated Alabama’s position that Atlanta’s future water supply plans violated federal law. Alabama believes that Atlanta’s current withdrawals also violate federal law, and we are pleased that the federal court has placed that issue on a fast-track for resolution.”

“The federal judge handling these cases has emphasized the need for the three states to work out a long-term solution to this problem,” said Governor Riley. “He is certainly right, and I remain ready to meet any time, anywhere with Governor Perdue and Governor Crist to work toward an equitable agreement for sharing this vital natural resource. The three states should reach an agreement, but only if there is a recognition that each state has to make compromises.”

Source: Alabama Governor