RES 2020-31 Adopted o
RESOLUTION NO.2020-31
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION REGARDING
THE NEW SAVANNAH BLUFF LOCK AND DAM
WHEREAS, the New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam and its associated park, amenities, and
impoundment of the Savannah River have served as an important resource and feature for the City of
North Augusta, South Carolina and Augusta, Georgia since its completion in 1937, providing water
supply,recreation,economic value,and enhanced quality of life in and surrounding North Augusta;and
WHEREAS, the City of North Augusta desires that the New Savannah Bluff Lock&Dam and
its associated park, impoundment and amenities be available for future generations of its citizens, and
in particular the pool elevation of the reservoir created by the New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam be
maintained as it has been historically,at or near elevation 114.5 feet NAVD88;and
WHEREAS,North Augusta's desire to ensure that the New Savannah Bluff Lock&Dam and
it associated park,impoundment and amenities are available for future generations is shared by the
governments and citizens of The State of South Carolina;Aiken County, South Carolina; and Augusta,
Georgia.The City iterates its support expressed in Resolution No.2019-1, "A Resolution in Support of
Option 1-1 for the New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam as Presented by the Army Corps of Engineers
as a Mitigation Project for the Savannah Port Deepening"for maintaining the pool elevation as it has
been historically at or near elevation of 114.5 NAVD88 and directing that"Any and all measures
should be undertaken by the Mayor and City Administrator to ensure that the present pool be
maintained", and
WHEREAS,the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers("Corps"),current owner of the New Savannah
Bluff Lock&Dam,determined in October 2019 that it would remove the New Savannah Bluff Lock&
Dam and construct an in-river structure resulting in significant lowering of the river pool elevation;
threatening the water supply of cities and industries,recreation,economic value,and enhanced of quality
of life for citizens; and affecting the park managed by Augusta.The February 2019 field demonstration
test conducted by the Corps showed that water levels in the Savannah River resulting from removal of
the New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam would negatively impact North Augusta residential
neighborhoods and threaten water supplies, and
WHEREAS, Congressional representatives have introduced or are considering introduction of
legislation that would provide for the New Savannah Bluff Lock & Dam and its associated park to
remain in place; and
WHEREAS,the proposed legislation provides for conveyance of the New Savannah Bluff Lock
& Dam jointly to The City, Aiken County, and Augusta, Georgia and include in the fiscal year
September 30, 2020 or September 30, 2021 an appropriation of$53 million as a Federal cost share to
The City, Aiken County, and Augusta, Georgia for the purpose of any construction, operation,
maintenance,repair,and rehabilitation necessary for the New Savannah Bluff Lock&Dam; and
WHEREAS, under the proposed legislation the transfer of the New Savannah Bluff Lock &
Dam would occur no later than September 30,2021 or within six months of the date of appropriation of
funds required for the Federal cost-share, thus providing that time for assessment by The City of the
benefits and costs of acceptance of the New Savannah Bluff Lock&Dam and federal cost share; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and City Council for the City of North
Augusta, South Carolina, in meeting duly assembled and by the authority thereof, that North Augusta
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supports the proposed legislation described herein and authorizes the Mayor and City Administrator to
take such actions as is necessary to support the legislation though technical, legal and other support.
The City Clerk is requested to provide this resolution to the appropriate Congressional delegation for
consideration and inclusion in the record for Federal legislative process.
DONE, RATIFIED AND ADOPTED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF NORTH AUGUSTA,SOUTH CAROLINA,ON THIS Wlh DAY OFTiter,2020.
Robert A. Pettit
Mayor
l.,O ATTEST:
A4A -k OIA� XAAL
Sharon Lamar
City Clerk