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Macon County requests feasibility study on removing Lake Emory Dam
Summary
Commissioners unanimously authorized a comprehensive feasibility study into removing Lake Emory Dam and asked the Planning Board to be involved; proponents cited potential environmental and flow‑restoration benefits, while the motion referred the technical review to expert study.
On Nov. 12 Commissioner Higdon raised the possibility of eliminating Lake Emory Dam to restore free-flowing river conditions. Commissioner Shearl proposed that the county’s Planning Board study the feasibility, including technical, environmental and floodplain implications, and moved to complete a comprehensive feasibility study. The board voted unanimously to authorize the study and involve the Planning Board.
The minutes record the motion and unanimous vote but do not detail the study’s scope or funding source; commissioners framed the request as connected to the county’s forthcoming Floodplain Ordinance discussion in January. The study will require engineering, environmental review and regulatory analysis to determine costs, benefits and permitting pathways.
