News Summary
The Augusta Commission has allocated an extra $1 million for ongoing construction in the downtown area, aimed at speeding up work on Broad Street. While this initiative intends to enhance the infrastructure, local business owners have expressed concerns over the prolonged construction’s impact on their operations. The city is also planning a new translational research building at Augusta University, with a significant budget allocated to research aimed at combating diseases. Balancing business needs with urban development is a priority for city officials.
Augusta – The Augusta Commission has approved an additional $1 million for ongoing construction projects in the downtown area, which is currently a hub of activity filled with traffic cones and construction zones. This additional funding is intended to accelerate the work underway on Broad Street, beginning next month, but it has raised concerns among local business owners regarding the potential impact of the construction.
The downtown area is experiencing significant disruptions due to various construction projects. A recent halt in construction at the intersection of 15th and St. Sebastian Way was caused by complications related to water and sewer lines. Business owners in the affected areas are anxious about the timeline for the improvements, especially after being informed in February that the construction work would last only a couple of months. Many businesses rely on foot traffic, and extended construction could pose risks to their viability.
Among those affected is Keen Signs and Graphics, located within the construction zone. The owner has expressed concerns regarding the lack of communication from the city about construction activities and interruptions to essential services, such as water. However, access from Jones Street has helped maintain business operations despite the surrounding construction chaos. Keen has expressed sympathy for other businesses that do not have similar access and who face the challenge of decreased visibility and accessibility during the construction period.
The Augusta Commission is further focusing on infrastructure and public safety through the proposed SPLOST 9 priorities, which aim to enhance quality of life in the city. As part of these efforts, some commissioners have discussed the feasibility of implementing a night shift for construction workers. This proposal, however, raises questions regarding the potential impact on Augusta’s nightlife and local residents.
In addition to downtown construction efforts, the state has allocated approximately $99.8 million for a new translational research building at Augusta University, part of an overall project that is expected to cost around $146.2 million. This funding comes from the state budget signed by Governor Brian Kemp. The facility aims to provide modern lab spaces equipped with advanced technology to support various medical research areas, including Alzheimer’s disease, cancer immunotherapy, and COVID-19 care.
The new research facility at Augusta University is aligned with the university’s ambition to achieve R1 research university status. Currently, the institution possesses 889,000 square feet of research space, nearly 70% of which is approaching the end of its useful lifespan. To support the new facility, Augusta University has successfully raised close to $30 million through philanthropic contributions, showcasing community support for advancing research.
The construction timeline for the new translational research building includes 12-15 months for the design phase, followed by another 15 months dedicated to actual construction. The goal is to create an environment that attracts top-tier researchers and facilitates significant advances in healthcare discoveries.
With the latest funding approvals in place and ongoing construction efforts, Augusta City officials are focused on balancing the needs of local businesses, community concerns, and the long-term vision for the area’s development. The combination of infrastructure improvements and enhanced research capabilities through Augusta University reflects a comprehensive strategy aiming to elevate the overall quality of life in Augusta.
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Additional Resources
- Augusta Chronicle
- WRDW
- The Augusta Press
- WRDW – Georgia’s Budget
- Greenville Journal
- Wikipedia: Augusta, Georgia
- Google Search: Augusta University research funding
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Augusta
- Google News: Augusta Georgia
- Google Scholar: Augusta University research
