Here's a question to ponder. Why is the US Army managing inland waterways of the mainland US?
When I managed a company with a location in TN, we had to get approval from the US Army Corps of Engineers when we built an addition on the building. The previous addition we built had to have a retention pond dug. The retention pond had a few cattails growing in it. That alone made it come under the watchful eye of the US Army. They added absolutely no value. Local and TN state authorities were also watchful permitters.
The SC/GA border is formed by the Tugaloo and Savannah rivers, which provides water and power for surrounding counties in both states. The Army owns the lake, the surrounding land and islands, and the hydroelectric dam. The Army built the dam in the 1950s. The lake filled in the early 1960s. Since then, it has been managed by the Army.
Recent command changes brought leadership whose primary interest is in generating power by draining the lake. This, combined with lower rainfall has lowered water levels by 9 feet so far. This is the fifth time in the history of the lake the level has dropped this far.
The Corps used to post forecasts of what their plan was, and they generated power during weekdays. Recently, they discontinued their forecasting on line, and they run the generators night and day. They care more about data centers than small towns and people who depend on the lake for their business.
It begs the question, what does Lake Hartwell have to do with defense or war? A coalition of counties, water companies, and electric cooperatives could do a much better job of managing water resources than the US Army. I don't think cattails threaten the US. If Congress wants to reduce spending, get rid of inland operations of the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Trump asked for $7B for the Corps this year. Congress approved $11B. I smell a savings opportunity that could improve life for SC folks in Oconee, Pickens and Anderson Counties.
By Don Louis · Published 2026-08-24