A staff member, a presenter, told the meeting that the Russell Creek Reservoir would use a pump-storage system to draw water from the Etowah River during high flows, store up to 1,370,000,000 gallons and release it to Dawson County’s water treatment plant when river levels fall.

The project was described as intended to provide a long-term, dependable water source for rural and agricultural users in Dawson County amid recurring droughts. "Georgia frequently faces extended droughts that deeply affect farmers and communities like those found in Dawson County," the staff member said.

The presenter said the reservoir would draw during periods of high river flow, store water and release it to maintain a steady supply when the Etowah runs low. "Once completed, the reservoir will hold up to 1,370,000,000 gallons of water. That's enough to support the water system for up to 240 days," the staff member said.

The presentation also said the project would include improvements to an existing flood-control dam. "By raising the dam, the reservoir storage capacity will increase, providing stronger protection for the community now and for generations ahead," the staff member said.

The transcript contains a description of the project's purpose, pump-storage operation, storage capacity and proposed dam modifications, but it does not specify funding sources, required permits or approvals, a construction timeline, or any formal vote or decision recorded in the meeting.