Matt McCullough, Communications Director (202) 225-5235

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Representative Steve Southerland, II acted recently to address concerns regarding Leon County’s water supply and the construction of an upstream dam in Georgia that has been granted approval by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  Southerland met in Tallahassee earlier this month with officials from Leon County and the Corps to expedite coordination establishing necessary outflow levels to replenish North Florida’s Lake Iamonia and Lake Talquin.

Following his meeting with Southerland and county staff, Leon County Commissioner Nick Maddox stated, “As currently written, the Corps permit fails to protect Leon County's lakes, our recreational use of them, and downstream wildlife and habitat.  I very much appreciate the congressman’s efforts to help protect the county’s water supply."

Southerland responded, “After hosting productive meetings with Leon County officials and the Corps, it is my hope that this cooperation will produce a solution to Leon County’s water supply concerns.  I am grateful for the efforts of Commissioner Maddox and the other Leon County officials who have worked with me to achieve a sensible resolution; and I appreciate the Corps’ willingness to provide certainty on this important issue in short order.”

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