Chattahoochee river

The governors of Georgia and Alabama quietly met in March to discuss their long-running water dispute.

The meeting came as the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to hear a challenge from Florida seeking to limit Georgia's withdrawals from the Chattahoochee River. Alabama officials have similar concerns.

Government records show Gov. Nathan Deal met with Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley in Montgomery on March 16 for a general discussion of water issues. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution obtained the documents using Georgia's open records law.

Deal spokesman Brian Robinson would not discuss the specifics of the trip. A spokeswoman for Bentley called it a "productive meeting."

Documents show Florida Gov. Rick Scott has accepted an invitation from Deal to meet on water issues. A date for that meeting has not been scheduled.

Tags: governor robert bentley, Governor Nathan Deal, governors of alabama and georgia meet over water dispute, meet about water war, quiet meeting