Easley says local water limits possible if drought worsens

RALEIGH (AP) -- Governor Mike Easley said he could cap water use in some towns and cities if the drought worsens. Easley said Wednesday he could use his emergency powers to limit the daily amount of water used by the state's water systems. He doesn't believe such mandatory restrictions will be necessary as long as local governments keep working with the state to find emergency water supplies. In a year-end interview with reporters, Easley also said he would work hard in his final full year in office to make state government run more efficiently and remain on track for his successor. Easley said he also would work with the General Assembly to get additional transportation funding approved. Easley is barred from seeking a third consecutive term as governor. (Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)