Federal budget woes to impact Lake Hartwell

Declining federal money will impact visitor services next year at two lakes managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. Projected budget cuts for 2014 are being termed significant, and the Corps reacted today with an announcement that it will close one campground and five-day use areas at Lake Hartwell and four campgrounds at Lake Thurmond. Day-use areas are also being affected. Among area services being eliminated are Mullins Ford day use area, Fair Play day use area, and Lawrence Bridge access. At present, corps officials are communicating with state and local governments, such as Oconee County, to investigate potential park lease options that could keep recreation areas open to the public.