Rep. Eric Watson (R-Cleveland) is co-sponsoring a resolution maintaining that Georgia's legislation to change the Tennessee-Georgia border "is poor policy." He said Georgia ought to look to the ocean instead in its quest for water.
The Georgia legislation seeks to move the border one mile north of its current designation due to Georgia's claim that the border was drawn incorrectly. This shift would allow Georgia to tap into the Tennessee River, a valuable resource to sprawling Atlanta, Rep. Watson noted.
"This is about our Tennessee water resources and this resolution allows Tennesseans to formally voice where we as a state stand on the issue," stated Rep. Watson.
"At first, Georgia's proposition was almost laughable. However, since the dispute has remained unresolved, it is important that Tennessee sends a clear message to Georgia."
Rep. Watson has suggested that Georgia "should be looking toward its southeastern border for another water source - the Atlantic Ocean contains an unlimited supply of water. Other states and countries rely on desalinization to meet their water needs and Georgia should entertain this idea as well."
"Georgia is obviously doing what is good for Georgia," Rep. Watson said. "Our resolution is looking out for Tennessee, her citizens, and her precious natural resources."