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Show 230 GEORGIA special interest in the report is the account of the pollution of the vast underground water supply in the Savannah area. It might also be noted that Georgia statutes offer certain tax in- centives to industries installing machinery or equipment designed to eliminate air or water pollution. The first is an exemption from the sales and use taxes,13 and the second is an exemption from the ad valorem property tax.14 b. Some Special Agencies Several entities, though having no real administrative jurisdiction over water resources, deserve brief mention. The Georgia Water- ways Commission 15 was created to negotiate with Federal agencies on flood control projects, but is prohibited from obligating the State by contract. The State council for the preservation of natural areas is assigned certain responsibilities under the Georgia Scenic Rivers Act,16 and is required to study and "from time to time recommend to the Governor and general assembly rivers or sections of rivers to be considered for designation as scenic rivers."17 The rivers and harbors development commission was created in 1967,18 is composed of the Governor, attorney general, and auditor, and is to sponsor and participate in projects for improving rivers and harbors. The functions of these three agencies were transferred to the department of natural resources in 1972. The commission for the development of the Chattahoochee River basin, also created in 1967,19 is composed of 40 members, with 20 appointed by the Governor and 20 by the governing authorities of counties bordering the river. c. Local Agencies There are a number of local agencies with some responsibility or authority associated with water resources. For example, canal com- panies 20 may be formed upon petition of five or more persons to construct, operate, and maintain canals, and such corporations have a 30-year life.21 They are not permitted to obstruct navigation in navigable waters, and, when requested to do so by the State commis- sioner of game and fish, they must install and maintain fish ladders and fishways. The statute provides that these companies must pay any landowners "as may have riparian rights in any stream or body of water taken, diverted, or obstructed" for "any damage done them."22 These companies may charge fees for any navigational use made of canals constructed by them,23 and they are subject to State, county, and municipal taxes.24 Perhaps of most pertinent interest is their statutory authority to draw water: "Sec. 92-3403a (1971 supp.). "Sec. 92-201.1 (1971 supp.). 15 Sees. 17-301 et. seq. 16 Sees. 17-901 et. seq. "Sec. 17-904. 18 Ga. acts, 1967, p. 516. 19 Ga. acts, 1967, p. 805. 20 Sees. 17-101 et. seq. 21 Sec. 17-104. ^ Sec. 17-106. 23 Sec. 17-110. 2*Sec. 17-114. |
