By Associated Press
Montgomery, AL – More than 50 government officials and concerned citizens, including 25 mayors, have signed a letter asking Governor Bob Riley to help deal with the state's drought, which they say is ''the worst in Alabama history.''
The letter said the Alabama River is not navigable for barges between Mobile and Selma, and officials said the lack of rainfall is threatening some drinking water systems.
Selma Mayor James Perkins said Tuesday the drought is a disaster for cities that depend on waterways for economic development and recreation. He said both the Alabama River and aquifers the city depends on for drinking water are ''as low as they have ever been.''
Perkins compared the drought to a hurricane, saying it has similar devastating effects on affected communities.
The letter asks Riley to work with the Alabama's congressional delegation, the U-S Army Corps of Engineers and the state Legislature to come up with solutions to keep waterways open.
The governor was in Europe Tuesday on an industry-hunting trip and had no immediate comment on the letter.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)