Columbus, Georgia

A RESOLUTION

No.



WHEREAS, the State of Georgia faces increased pressure on its surface and

ground water resources;



WHEREAS, the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia believes that the

surface and ground waters of the state should continue to be a public resource

managed in the public interest and in a sustainable manner by the State to

protect natural systems and meet human and economic needs, and that water

withdrawal permits should not be bought and sold or otherwise treated as a

commodity;

WHEREAS, the Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia believes that water

management must be guided by a comprehensive state water management plan,

developed by a lead agency in coordination with other agencies and with this

participation of all interested citizens;



WHEREAS, effective water management requires regional water planning, based on

watersheds, river basins and aquifers that is tied to implementation, including

and comprehensive management process;



WHEREAS, regulation of interbasin transfers must be strengthened to reflect

scientific knowledge, respect natural systems, and protect the basins of origin

and receipt;



WHEREAS, it is not in the best interests of the citizens of Georgia for public

water systems to have to purchase water withdrawal rights from private entities.



NOW, THEREFORE, THE COUNCIL OF COLUMBUS, GEORGIA HEREBY RESOLVES:



The Consolidated Government of Columbus, Georgia supports and adopts the

principles outlined above and urges the General Assembly of Georgia to pass and

fund comprehensive statewide water planning. We support the full disclosure,

approval and regular reporting of all transfers of water between the State's

major river basins and aquifers with the goal of minimization of consumption

and the objective of protecting critical flows in streams and aquifers. We

oppose the marketing of water rights or water withdrawal permits (sometimes

referred to as "permit trading"). Let a copy of this Resolution be forwarded

to each member of the local legislative delegation to the Georgia General

Assembly.

---------------



Introduced at a regular meeting of the Council of Columbus, Georgia held on the

9th day of September, 2003, and adopted at said meeting by the affirmative vote

of ______ members of said Council.



Councilor Allen voting ___________________.

Councilor Anthony voting__________________.

Councilor Davis voting____________________.

Councilor Henderson voting________________.

Councilor Hunter voting___________________.

Councilor McDaniel voting_________________.

Councilor Rodgers voting__________________.

Councilor Suber voting____________________.

Councilor Pugh voting_____________________.

Councilor Woodson voting__________________.





_________________________ ______________________________

TINY B. WASHINGTON ROBERT S. POYDASHEFF

CLERK MAYOR