Deal applauds latest attempt to jumpstart water talks

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Nathan Deal, a candidate for governor, commended Gov. Sonny Perdue on Thursday for his latest attempt to restart water negotiations with the governors of Alabama and Florida. The Gainesville Republican said that at the same time, he has approached the three states’ congressional delegations about discussing a permanent legislative solution that was ordered by the court.

“These are the right moves for all three states,” said Deal. “The timetable mandated in the federal court order does not afford us an opportunity to delay the work on resolving the tri-state water issues.”

In his letter, Perdue has offered Governors Crist and Riley a choice of 40 potential dates for meetings between now and the end of the year. (See separate story.)

Deal also thanked Perdue for keeping the entire Georgia delegation informed following the court ruling two weeks ago.

“I have long believed that working cooperatively we have the ability to reach a workable bi-partisan solution,” he said.

During the August congressional recess, Deal has plans to visit communities within the Chattahoochee and Flint River basins in Georgia to hear their views on how we move forward.

“I know the importance of this vital river system for all of Georgia and want to make sure that we do everything possible to address the needs of the many interested parties who depend on it,” he said.