Columbia, S. C. – Governor Jim Hodges today signed a memorandum of understanding with South Carolina Electric & Gas Company to explore the donation of property in and around Lake Murray and the formation of a public-private partnership to manage the lake's future.

"Lake Murray has always been more than a hydro-electric plant -- it is the crown jewel of the Midlands," Hodges said. "Thanks to the generosity of SCE&G, we have the opportunity to better share this wonderful resource with our citizens. I look forward to working with SCE&G to develop a public-private partnership that will serve the electric and recreational needs of South Carolinians for years to come."

Governor Hodges was joined at today's announcement by Bill Timmerman, chairman and chief executive officer of SCANA Corp., SCE&G's parent company. "As you well know, the areas around Lake Murray are vastly different today than even 20 years ago," Timmerman said. "The lake community is experiencing unprecedented levels of growth. The area provides housing to a growing population, and Lake Murray's waters play an important role in recreation, tourism, economic development, water service, and of course, power generation."

"Today, management of the lake requires the involvement of multiple state and federal agencies in addition to SCE&G," Timmerman said. "We welcome the creation of a public-private partnership to help ensure the continued prosperity of Lake Murray."

As part of the memorandum of understanding, the state and SCE&G will determine the location of property to be conveyed to the state in what will likely be an eight-year, phased-in approach. SCE&G will continue to be responsible for the dam, its maintenance. SCE&G and state agencies will continue to work closely on management of shoreline development. The company has also agreed to develop a plan that will allow the company to operate its hydroelectric facilities and maintain lake levels at 354 feet, approximately 1 foot above the current 10-year-average low level.

SCE&G is currently in the design phase of a major remediation plan for the Lake Murray Dam that would enable the dam to withstand new criteria for a maximum probable earthquake.

SCE&G created Lake Murray as a hydro-generation facility in 1930.