AUGUSTA, Ga (WJBF)- It’s being called a reimagining of Augusta’s riverfront. Augusta mayor Garnett Johnson unveiling those new plans at a Friday morning press conference.
The mayor says it’s time to reinvigorate the Riverwalk and The Boathouse, but all of his plans hinge on Augusta voters.
“Our Savannah River is one of the greatest natural assets that we have in our city. Our honorable former Mayor Edward M. McIntyre believe our beautiful river should be one of source of pride and enjoyment to our people,” he said.
The $22 million project includes renovations and upgrades to the existing Riverwalk as well as extending it from the 5th Street Marina to The Boathouse. It will also pay for a full renovation to the Boathouse.
Here’s the breakdown.
$5 million will be allocated to restore and enhance the existing sections of the Riverwalk. $3 million will go towards extending the Riverwalk from the Marina to the Boat House. And $14 million previously designated for a downtown parking deck will fund the new Boathouse.
“The renderings for the proposed design for the new Boathouse showcase a facility that will serve as a key destination and regional hub for recreation events and tourism in Augusta,” Mayor Johnson said.
The mayor said the funding for the project will come from the extension of a one cent sales tax (SPLOST 9) that voters will decide on in November, which he added is important for more than just the riverfront.
“This gives us an opportunity to enhance our city. This is more than beyond attracting tourists and economic development. This is vital necessities. This provides us the opportunity to provide sewer project and infrastructure projects not only to downtown, but to south Augusta and to all regions of the city.”
Members of the Augusta Sports Council were at Fridays Press conference. They say they are excited by the proposal of an improved riverfront and what it could mean for sports tourism.
“One of the I think most unique things in our industry is that we have a riverfront and we’ve seen other communities take advantage of opportunities that a riverfront close to downtown access like this can bring and kind of grow,” said Michelle Pippin, CEO of the Augusta Sports Council.
Pippin said that improving the riverfront will help them bring more events like the rowing regatta and the Ironman competition to Augusta.
The Augusta Rowing Club will be displaced while construction takes place, but Mayor Johnson explained that they know about the project and are on board with it. Pippin added that the rowing club does a lot to bring tourism to Augusta.
“The Augusta Rowing Club. They’ve been here for decades. They operate their own regattas,” Pippin said. “They also promote winter and spring training that I think most people that live in Augusta probably don’t know about. So these are high schools and colleges, really up in the Northeast that choose Augusta to be their place to to train.”
Crime and security in the area has been a concern, with a shooting happening there in May. But the mayor believes that improving the area will make it safer.
“If you look at its current state and this current state of upkeep, this attracts unfortunately some unsavory activity that occur. My proposal is but this new facility, with the planned upkeep, or the planned investment, it will deter those who want to come down here and do un salacious activities,” Mayor Johnson said.
Mayor Johnson said that if voters approved the extended sales tax in November, then work can begin quickly. Once it gets started, it should take about two years to complete.
Photojournalist: Dania Alawir.
