Responsible, Not a Bailout

Every so often, you’ll see dramatic posts with bold headlines about Big Canoe. Let’s be clear—those posts are designed to grab attention, not to give you the full picture.

The truth is simple: applying for GEMA/FEMA funds to help offset the Lake Petit Spillway project is the responsible thing to do. Here’s why:

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🌊 The project is fully funded.
Your Board, Staff, and Finance Committee have been preparing for this project for years. The money is set aside. No special assessment is required.

💵 Grants = cost savings.
If outside funds are approved, they lower what we as property owners pay. If denied, the project still moves forward. Either way, it gets done.

🛡️ This is about public safety, not just Big Canoe.
Lake Petit Dam is regulated by the State of Georgia as a high-hazard dam. That means, in a worst-case scenario, failure could threaten lives and property downstream, outside our gates. Mitigation funding exists precisely for infrastructure with regional impacts like this.

📋 We planned ahead.
The spillway has been on our long-term capital plan for years. This isn’t about choosing amenities “over” safety—the project has always been scheduled and funded.

🔍 It’s transparent.
Our General Manager has already communicated this clearly: the project is funded, no special assessment is needed, and updates will continue in open meetings.

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What it is not

❌ Not a bailout. These are mitigation grants available to towns, counties, and communities when public safety is at stake.
❌ Not a delay. The work proceeds with or without grants.
❌ Not a shift in priorities. Safety projects like the spillway have always been part of the plan.

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Bottom line

Applying for outside funds is what responsible governance looks like:
✅ Protect people inside and outside Big Canoe
✅ Reduce costs for property owners
✅ Keep projects on track with transparency

Let’s not get sidetracked by fear-based headlines. Big Canoe deserves fact-based discussion, responsible decision-making, and clear communication.

As always, I welcome your thoughts at poa.rogerhackler.com or when you see me around the neighborhood. feel free to email me at roger@rogerhackler.com or call me at 404-680-4682