Augusta’s Historic Lock and Dam Secures Future with Overwhelming Senate Support

Augusta’s Historic Lock and Dam Get a Much-Needed Lifeline!

Hey there, Augusta! Exciting news is blowing through the city today. Our beloved New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam, a vital structure that’s been a part of our landscape for over 87 years, has just received a powerful vote of confidence from the U.S. Senate. On Wednesday evening, the Senate voted overwhelmingly—get this—a resounding 97 to 1 in favor of saving the landmark from collapse and obsolescence. That’s right, folks; this place is here to stay!

A Quick Overview of the Situation

So how did this all come about? Well, it’s all wrapped up in a piece of legislation known as S. 4367, which is the latest version of the Water Resources Development Act. There was no debate, just a clean and clear move to support the bill that ensures our lock and dam will remain operational and safe. Both of Georgia’s senators, the Rev. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, joined the chorus of support, voting for this crucial motion.

And here’s the cherry on top: word on the street is that President Joe Biden might sign this bill into law before December is out! Talk about good news right before the holidays!

What’s in the Bill?

Alright, let’s dig into the details. The legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives includes some essential directives: it mandates a complete repair of the aging lock and dam and ensures that the Savannah River’s pool level at Augusta remains at a healthy 114.5 feet. This water level is critical because local leaders have been adamant that the locks are not just a matter of nostalgia but absolutely vital for keeping river levels stable for Augusta and its neighboring communities.

A Little History Lesson

You might be wondering, “What’s the story behind the lock and dam?” Well, these structures were erected way back in 1937 and have been pivotal in maintaining safe river levels ever since. However, things turned for the worse in 1985 when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers demoted it to “caretaker” status after commercial navigation on the Savannah River came to a halt. They actually deemed it no longer viable and tried to scrap it back in 1999, which set off a flurry of local concern.

Moreover, in December 2000, Congress did vote to repair the lock, but unfortunately, the project never got the full funding it needed. That’s where we hit some snags along the way.

Nature’s Considerations

While saving the lock and dam is important for the local community, it’s also essential to consider the environment. The corps has insisted that the structure interferes with the migration paths for endangered sturgeon fish. To tackle this issue, the new legislation allows for the construction of a fish passage on the South Carolina side of the structure, providing a win-win situation.

The Future Looks Bright!

Now, while some might argue that removing the lock and dam could lead to problems like lower water levels and destabilized riverbanks, supporters are thrilled with the recent legislative outcome. Nobody wants to see the water level drop to riverbed levels, especially when you think about all the beautiful homes and establishments lining our riverbanks.

In conclusion, as we raise our glasses and cheer for this monumental decision, let’s remember how important it is to keep our river, our city, and our history alive and thriving. Augusta, the future looks bright for our New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam! Cheers to that!