New lease to access lake areas

Oconee County and the Army Corps of Engineers have executed a new lease agreement covering access areas on Lake Hartwell. In some areas, the county will step in to maintain and operate access ramps, campgrounds, and recreation areas for which Army Corps faces difficulty because of decreasing federal aid. Under the terms of the new agreement, Oconee will become responsible for Lawrence Bridge Recreation Area, Seneca Creek ramp, Fair Play recreation Area, South Union ramp, Port Bass ramp, Choestoea ramp, Mullins Ford Recreation Area, and Mountain Bay ramp. And starting April 1, annual passes that now cover the Oconee County parks will also cover the Lake Hartwell access areas. Current Corps of Engineers passes will be honored until they are renewed with a new county pass.