The Army Corps of Engineers is lifting a ban on new dock permits on north Georgia's Lake Lanier in another sign that the epic drought that once gripped north Georgia is fast becoming a thing of the past. The Corps issued the moratorium in April 2007 as the drought sent levels at the massive reservoir plunging. As the drought grew worse, the lake's levels dropped more than 18 feet below full pool. But rainy weather has helped north Georgia emerge from the worst drought conditions, and Lanier is now only about four feet below full pool. Corps spokesman E. Patrick Robbins said that helped federal engineers feel confident enough to begin accepting new boat dock permits.

(Associated Press)