The number of annual visitors to Lake Lanier is down 13% from 2005, when the lake was at full pool. The number of boaters is expected to be down even more than 13%. Obviously this has a negative economic impact to businesses located around Lake Lanier. From marinas to restaurants, everybody is feeling the squeeze far beyond the current economic conditions. So aside from being the water supply for metro Atlanta, there are recreation and economic benefits to the lake.
I think we have done an extremely poor job in the media, countering Florida’s economic arguments. We’ve all heard about the fisherman and shrimpers in Florida, but there is no sympathy for the marinas, boat mechanics and restaurants on Lanier. Fortunately, there is a new group called the 1071 Coalition. I believe one of their primary goals is to produce an economic study of Lake Lanier. Hopefully, the study will counter all of Florida’s propaganda. I expect the economic impact could be larger to Lanier than in Florida.
On a brighter note, all the rain we have been receiving has caused the lake levels to rise rapidly. The lake is up more than three feet from this point last year.
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