By Associated Press
Montgomery AL – Water wars are continuing between Alabama and Georgia despite last week's rainfall.
The two states are still at odds over water in the Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa River Basin -- which includes Allatoona and Carters lakes in northwest Georgia.
During a teleconference with representatives from both states last week, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials said they are considering a reduction in the amount of water released from Allatoona Lake by the end of the month. Alabama opposes that plan.
This week, the two states and Florida will square off again in court over another waterway -- the Chattahoochee River. Separate lawsuits over the river have been bundled into one case being heard in the U.S. District Court of the Middle District of Florida.
In the debate between Alabama and Florida, officials in Alabama worry that dredging on the Alabama River will have to stop if water levels get too low. The Corps is dredging the river to make room for barges serving mills and other manufacturers.
Alabama also is concerned about having enough water to operate power plants and pulp and paper mills.
Last week, congressional delegations from Georgia and Alabama met separately with Army Secretary Pete Geren -- the top Army official who oversees the Corps.