FRANKLIN COUNTY, FlA (WTXL)--- The United States Army Corps of Engineers is holding an open house to discuss its plan for the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint river system.
The three hour public forum allowed community members to ask questions and provide input on the draft Environmental Impact Statement...which serves as an operating manual for the Apalachicola, Chattahoochee, and Flint river system.
Apalachicola Bay depends on that river system for freshwater and nutrients, to stay healthy and productive. Many are concerned that the plan doesn't address the lack of fresh water flow to the area, which the Apalachicola's oyster industry relies on.
After the plan was released, a group of lawmakers in Florida including representative Gwen Graham, sen. Bill Nelson, and 18-members of Florida's house delegation expressed their concern.
At Monday's meeting, Congresswoman Graham hand delivered the letter to Colonel Chytka, with the Army Corps of Engineers Mobile Division, "This is an issue that my father, Governor Bob Graham began working on over 30 years ago. So here I am, his daughter, working so hard to see that we can finally find a compromise and solution that considers the entire Eco system and I feel that my relationship with the army corp of engineers is very positive.
Colonel Chytka says the army corps is taking all feedback into consideration, "There are some inputs that are going to be a lot more valuable, but everybodys comments are important. We want them to put as many in as possible to make our decision as informed as possible."
Monday's meeting is the last of five during the 60 day public comment period.
