Local & State Headlines

Lake weed fight gets more funds

• Hydrilla grows in shallow waters and slows recreational boating access in lakes.

Susan McCord

BAINBRIDGE — U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop, D-Albany, announced Thursday that approximately $855,000 has been earmarked in the 2009 Energy and Water Appropriations bill for control of hydrilla at Jim Woodruff Lock and Dam on Lake Seminole.

The invasive, aquatic weed hydrilla can restrict recreational boater access when it tops out and covers the water surface, especially in shallower portions of the lake, said Don Morgan, Natural Resources Manager for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Pieces of the bushy weed can break loose and slow the intake of water at Jim Woodruff Dam, used to generate electricity, Morgan said.

When funded, the Corps uses EPA-approved aquatic herbicides to control the weed, which will spread to deeper areas when water levels drop, he said.

The 37,500-acre lake forms the southwestern border of Georgia and Florida.

“I know how important the environmental health and well-being of Lake Seminole is to communities in Decatur and Seminole counties,” Bishop said.

“I am so pleased to have helped secure this funding, which will ensure the waters of the lake remain navigable, clean and accessible.”

The fiscal-year 2009 Energy and Water Appropriations bill allocates $33.26 billion to the Department of Energy and related agencies, and includes $2.5 billion for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, a statement from Bishop said.

The full House of Representatives will consider the bill next month.

On Thursday, Lake Seminole’s elevation was 76.4 feet, approximately 1.1 feet below its normal elevation of 77.5.

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