Work to lay erosion-preventing rip rap began this week on the first of four Lake Lanier islands receiving more than $275,000 in shoreline protection.
More than 3,100 lineal feet of shore will get 6,500 tons of stone in a project funded by local governments, private business and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, according to Joanna Cloud, executive director of the Lake Lanier Association.
The aim is to reduce erosion caused by wind-driven waves and boat wakes on four islands south of Browns Bridge, Cloud said. If banks collapse, the lake fills with silt and loses capacity to provide drinking water to more than 4 million residents of North Georgia.
Funding is coming from the Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources, $140,000; the Chantal and Tommy Bagwell Family Foundation, $90,000; a Hall County SPLOST approved by voters last year, $35,000; and an Army Corps grant, $11,000. Marine Specialties Inc, the prime contractor, will lay the stones using a barge, related equipment and a crew, working full time until the project is completed next March.
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