Georgia/Tennessee border dispute develops over tapping Tennessee River

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Updated: 4:57 PM Feb 7, 2008 Georgia/Tennessee border dispute develops over tapping Tennessee River Tennessee lawmakers say they sympathize with Georgia's water shortages but they will oppose an effort by their lawmakers to redraw the states' border. Posted: 2:13 PM Feb 7, 2008

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Tennessee lawmakers say they sympathize with Georgia's water shortages but they will oppose an effort by their lawmakers to redraw the states' border.

A proposal in the Georgia Legislature argues that a flawed survey in 1818 mistakenly marked Georgia's border one mile south of the Tennessee River.

The legislation would create a "boundary line commission" to possibly resolve the dispute and give the state access to a stretch of the 652-mile long river and ease Atlanta's water shortages.

Changes to state borders have to be approved by legislatures in each state, then Congress.

Tennessee Sen. Andy Berke's' district includes Chattanooga, which the river passes through. He believes every lawmaker in Tennessee would fight a boundary change.

Says Berke: "If they ever tried, the governor, and me, and everybody else would be waiting for them."

Latest Comments

Posted by: Michael Location: Kennesaw on Mar 6, 2008 at 07:01 AM

You have got to be kidding me! A border dispute in the United States in the 21st century because of a 19th century survey! Georgia has lived with these borders for 190 years. The "prievious" borders only existed for 42 years tops(1776 to 1818). Time alone dictates that it not be changed. "Possession is 9/10 of the law" Georgia is already the largest state east of the Mississippi River. Do we really need more land? If water is really the issue, I'm sure our neighbors to the north would be agreeable in piping us a few gallons out of the river. You don't here of a border dispute between Missouri and Kentucky over the "border change" caused by the New Madrid earthquake of 1812! Get over it Georgia. Try working with Tennessee to share the water instead of "legislatively" taking it by force.

Posted by: Rockl Location: Georgia on Feb 25, 2008 at 09:28 PM

All those questioning why the Georgia General Assembly is taking action, really need to become educated the Georgia border history. It is interesting to note why Georgia's leaders agreed to the 35th parallel back in 1796 as the northern border. Their intent was to maintain access to waters of the Tennessee River. An excellent and compelling research paper by Brad Carver provides a clear description of the historical events related to the border dispute that have occurred since the faulty survey back in 1818. You can download it from: http://alt.cimedia.com/ajc/pdf/polinsider/Tapping%20the%20Tennessee.doc The bottom line is that Georgia never accepted, and has repeatedly protested the incorrect survey since before the civil war. Legal precedence established by similar state border cases in the US all support the Georgia General Assemblys position. It's not Georgias fault that TN has consistenly ignored and avoided addressing the matter for 190 years.

Posted by: Richard Location: East Ridge, Tennessee on Feb 24, 2008 at 11:20 PM

Mr. Berke: Hopefully we won't have to, but if it comes down to it, we the people, will hold you to that. I personally moved away from Georgia back to Tennessee, to escape their rampant taxation. I have no desire to go back to being a Georgian (by residence). You have our support, as does the Governer. Stand your ground, Senator... Stand your ground! Thanks!

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