The City of Hartwell will contribute $375,000 to the construction of a mega boat ramp to be built on Lake Hartwell, following a recent vote of City Council. The City and County have also agreed to fund ongoing annual maintenance and operations for approximately $15,000 each.

The boat ramp is one of five projects proposed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources that will be funded through a settlement with Schlumberger Technologies, which had to pay $11.8 million to Georgia and South Carolina. Georgia's share of the settlement is $3.7 million will be go toward the mega ramp and fishing trail in Hartwell, along with a mega ramp in Franklin County and two fishing trails and piers in Stephens County.

The mega boat ramps are good for accomodating large fishing tournaments, which will complement the "Go Fish Georgia" initiative. The purpose of the Go Fish Georgia Initiative is to promote and enhance boating and fishing tourism and to boost economic development in communities across the state. This initiative will result in a quality fisheries resource statewide, including family friendly fishing and recreation access points that will increase fishing participation in Georgia.

Fishing tournaments are a growing economic force in the nation. A single large tournament can contribute several million dollars to a local economy. Currently, all neighboring states except South Carolina, attract more large bass fishing tournaments than Georgia. Georgia is the sixth highest among states in sending resident anglers to other states and 21st in attracting non-resident anglers. A better quality fishery would encourage those anglers to spend their dollars here. Georgia is also home to the world record largemouth bass (22 lbs., 4 oz. caught by George W. Perry on June 2, 1932). This catch presents a significant attraction for bass anglers.