Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, September 23, 1993 TAG: 9309230106
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Why did you copycat your opponent by endorsing the Virginia Beach rape of Lake Gaston for 23 billion gallons of water a year? Why did you not promote the desalination of the Atlantic Ocean to alleviate this situation? What will stop Virginia Beach or other areas from taking more water when they feel their economic situation needs it?
- George Spinnett, Henry
Mary Sue Terry:
"First of all, in this campaign, I have put forth public policy positions on a variety of different issues and have the most broad-based programs of any candidate as they relate to public policy initiatives of the future. The fact is, back in March, prior to the time George Allen announced his position on Lake Gaston, I informed the head of the Chamber of Commerce at Virginia Beach that, in my judgment, the Lake Gaston project was one that should go forward.
"By taking that position, I am not unmindful or insensitive to the needs of Southside Virginia to water, to adequate water and the first claim on water. Indeed, I'm a native of Southside Virginia. My own view is that we can find ways to make this a win-win situation. It's in the best interest of all Virginians for Virginia Beach to prosper, and this pipeline represents, in my judgment, the most viable means to meet those needs.
"At the same time, it's in the best interest of all Virginians for Southside and Southwest Virginia to prosper, and those areas need the support of residents of all of our state, including residents of Virginia Beach, as it relates to disparity in education, funding for [U.S.] 58, and the special health needs in that part of the state. What our challenge is, is to have the same message and be willing to articulate our positions on the same issue all over the state. This is a painful issue for both Southside Virginia and Virginia Beach, but it's one I think we have the opportunity to move beyond so we can do the real business that both areas of our state need."
George Allen:
"The difference between George Allen and my opponent is I'll say the same thing in Southside and Virginia Beach, while she'll try to portray her view as against Lake Gaston in Southside Virginia and in Virginia Beach will act as if she's part of the Virginia Beach Chamber of Commerce.
"The desalination approach has shown itself not to be cost-effective. The water is clearly needed in Virginia Beach. The issue has been studied for 10 years by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Army Corps of Engineers; and, recently, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals said the project could go forward without any adverse impact to the host area. So it's my view the project should go forward to get the water to Virginia Beach and Chesapeake where it's needed and help with economic development and jobs in that part of the state.
"At the same time, the agreement does and must protect current aquatic and recreational uses as well as current and future industrial uses along the river basin. That's not just Lake Gaston, but all along the way up river. So the protection is there. For instance, if there's drought and water levels are dropping so low, the water being pumped - about 1 percent of the annual flow - would have to be curtailed. But I look at this as a unique situation that has been studied and litigated and fought over for at least a decade. It's my view in our administration we'll push to get this completed."
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Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB