The state Senate on Wednesday passed a resolution urging Congress to facilitate the building of water reservoirs on Chattahoochee National Forest land.

The resolution, sponsored by state Sen. Eugene "Chip" Pearson, R-Dawsonville, was co-sponsored by Sens. Lee Hawkins, R-Gainesville, Jim Butterworth, R-Clarkesville, and Jack Murphy, R-Cumming.

Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle applauded the senate action.

"I am proud of the stance the state Senate took today to urge the U.S. Congress to assist in the building of reservoirs to grow and sustain an adequate water level in Lake Lanier," Cagle said in a statement.

The resolution states upstream reservoirs are "necessary to control water levels so that the people of Georgia and the surrounding states are ensured an adequate supply of water."

Hawkins said the resolution originated with Pearson, who represents a portion of the national forest area.

"The idea is to catch a little excess rainfall to keep Lake Lanier full when Florida’s mussels feel a little dry," said Hawkins, referring to the ongoing dispute with Florida over mussels in Apalachicola bay protected by the Endangered Species Act.

While the resolution is nonbinding, copies are being sent to President Barack Obama, the Georgia congressional delegation, the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.