The Anderson Independent ( http://www.independentmail.com/ ) reported Tuesday May 26th that The Hart County Board of Commissioners voted to approve the lease of 35 acres from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a fishing area on Hartwell Lake.

The Corps leased the property to the county for public park and recreational purposes for the future site of the Gum Branch Boating and Fishing Facility, which includes a six-lane ramp. The land is on U.S. 29 near Hartwell Lake.

The board voted 4-1 to approve the lease with Commissioner Ken Brown in opposition. Brown has opposed the project for years. A group of residents opposed the project in 2007 citing many concerns including traffic.

However, most of the commissioners were enthusiastic about the boating and fishing project.

“I think it will make us more accessible for fishing,” said Commissioner Brandon Johnson. “The thousands that come will definitely use it.”

He expects the site will be used for major fishing tournaments in the future.

The state of Georgia will be responsible for the design and bidding process for the project.

Georgia is funding the project with up to $900,000 that was set aside from a negotiated settlement with the owner of a plant responsible for contaminating Hartwell Lake with polychlorinated biphenyls. The state Department of Natural Resources will use the state money to plan for the creation of the project. Construction is scheduled to begin in about two months, said Jon Caime, the county administrator.

“Our primary goal is to increase tourism and drive sales revenue,” Caime said.