The check was presented to Mayor George Wangemann and Gainesville Parks & Recreation Director Melvin Cooper by the chairman of the Lake Lanier Islands Authority, Frank Turk, and Islands Executive Director Lee Smith.
Then-Governor Roy Barnes announced the grant in September 2002, saying the money will be used to help dredge the cove at Longwood Park of sediment buildup.
"We have an obligation to preserve Lake Lanier's natural beauty for future generations of Georgians to enjoy," Barnes said at the time. "This particular park is one of the most popular in the area and we need to help it thrive once again."
Barnes praised Gainesville and Hall County officials for trying to preserve Longwood Cove and the Longwood Creek watershed area.
The total cost of the project is estimated at $4.2 million, with the Corp of Engineers and the City of Gainesville picking up portions of the bill.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2004/1/165543