CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) -- Businesses on Lake Hartwell on the South Carolina-Georgia state line hope a new study will help convince the Army Corps of Engineers to consider economic impact as it manages water levels.

The Greenville News reported Monday the corps and Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties and three counties in Georgia are paying $100,000 each for the study.

David Freeman says his marina nearly went under when the water level on Lake Hartwell dropped to a 22-foot low last winter.

The division commander for the Corps of Engineers, Brig. Gen. Todd Semonite, says he can't consider economic impact of water levels.

Semonite says the corps considers water supply, water quality, navigation, recreation, power generation and flood control in managing the water levels.

Information from: The Greenville News, http://www.greenvillenews.com

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