Q&A on the News

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Q: With the possibility of Lake Lanier becoming off limits for a metro water source, what is happening with the effort to relocate the northern border of Georgia to include a portion of the Tennessee River as called for in the original survey documents?

— Jerry Titshaw, Hampton

A: A Senate resolution signed by Gov. Sonny Perdue in May 2008 called for a survey of Georgia’s northern border with Tennessee, directed the governor to negotiate with Tennessee officials over a joint survey and authorized litigation should Tennessee refuse to negotiate. Federal and state laws define Georgia’s northern border as the 35th parallel. The resolution does not move the border, but “simply calls for it be accurately marked,” said Sen. David Shafer (R-Duluth), who sponsored the resolution. Perdue spokesman Bert Brantley said the governor has reached out to Tennessee officials to inform them about the resolution and some legal research has been conducted. The Tennessee River dips below the 35th parallel into Dade County, and 6 percent of its water originates in Georgia creeks and streams, giving Georgia a claim to the water, Shafer said. Most of the disputed area below the 35th parallel is owned either by the National Forest Service or Tennessee Valley Authority, but some of the area is populated. Georgia could give Tennessee the populated areas without jeopardizing its riparian rights, but any land transfer would require an interstate compact and approval of Congress, Shafer said.

Lori Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2022 or e-mail lori@fastcopy.biz (include name and city).