Guest Editorial: Extend Lake Martin Season - WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

Guest Editorial: Extend Lake Martin Season

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  • Editorials

  • Thursday, May 23 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-05-23 23:20:04 GMT
    Anyone who takes advantage of one of Alabama's most treasured assets – the elderly – should face swift and steep consequences.  Thanks to a bill passed in the final hours of most recent legislative session that
    Anyone who takes advantage of one of Alabama's most treasured assets – the elderly – should face swift and steep consequences.  Thanks to a bill passed in the final hours of most recent legislative session that

  • Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-05-21 23:20:08 GMT
    The horrific tornadoes that ripped through Oklahoma this week bring back all too familiar memories for Alabamians as memories of April 27, 2011 are still fresh in many minds. When Alabamians were in need
    The horrific tornadoes that ripped through Oklahoma this week bring back all too familiar memories for Alabamians as memories of April 27, 2011 are still fresh in many minds. When Alabamians were in need

  • Thursday, May 16 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-05-16 23:20:04 GMT
    In my editorial on Tuesday I chided our legislators for being the last state to pass a no-brainer  bill legalizing home brewing.  Today I want to challenge them to be one of the first states to pass another no-brainer;
    In my editorial on Tuesday I chided our legislators for being the last state to pass a no-brainer  bill legalizing home brewing.  Today I want to challenge them to be one of the first states to pass another no-brainer;
    •   

For the first time ever, an economic impact study of the 750 miles of shoreline on pristine Lake Martin has been conducted with results that reveal significant eye-opening information, which deserve attention.   

Existing development on the lake and in waterfront subdivisions has a staggering total appraised value of $3.4 billion with future development expected to add an additional $4.8 billion in value.

Annual tax revenue from lakefront properties in counties and municipalities surrounding Lake Martin total $13.5 million dollars.

Lake residents and guests account for approximately $89 million annually in retail sales for Tallapoosa, Coosa and Elmore Counties.

Given these incredible numbers, one can only imagine what the numbers might be if the water tables on Lake Martin were kept at full pool April 1 through October 15 instead of what it is currently - May 15 through Labor Day.

Joe Faulk

Elmore County Commissioner