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Augusta Commissioners Finalize SPLOST 9 Project List

The Riverwalk, a key focus in the SPLOST 9 project list, aims for significant improvements.

News Summary

Augusta commissioners have revised the budget for the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) 9, lowering it to $407 million ahead of a ballot vote in November. Discussions focused on key improvements including road repairs, park upgrades, and affordable housing. A specific allocation of $15 million for the Riverwalk area was also considered. The project list aims to enhance city infrastructure as community concerns about park upkeep and modernization grow. The finalization deadline for the project list is set for August 5.

Augusta commissioners convened recently to finalize the proposed project list for the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) 9 ahead of an upcoming ballot vote in November. The work session resulted in a revised budget of $407 million, down from an initial proposal of $428 million that incorporated an additional $100 million in project requests.

City Administrator Tameka Allen emphasized that although the current budget may not fully cover all necessary improvements, it does address several major issues impacting the city. The discussions focused on crucial projects such as office renovations, park upgrades, road repairs, affordable housing initiatives, and plans to expand the convention center. The potential allocation of $15 million specifically for enhancements to the Riverwalk area was also a topic of conversation during the meeting.

Concerns have been raised by members of the community regarding the appearance and upkeep of both the Riverwalk and various city parks, including Dyess Park. Many residents feel that Augusta, being an older city, is in dire need of modernized parks and infrastructure to better serve its citizens. The ongoing issues with rising costs and inflation have made funding for these improvements increasingly challenging.

The Augusta commissioners have set a deadline of August 5 for finalizing the project list to ensure it will appear on the ballot for the November vote. Should they fail to meet this deadline, a special meeting can be held on August 12 to finalize the list. Additionally, a submission deadline to the Board of Elections for the ballot is outlined for August 18.

The project list for SPLOST 9 includes significant improvements to the Augusta Canal, particularly focusing on the canal’s bulkhead gates. This canal is vital for providing clean drinking water to the city and plays a critical role in flood prevention. Maintaining the canal’s infrastructure is essential, especially given its historical underfunding. In anticipation of these improvements, a proposal for $24 million is on the table aimed at enhancing the water and sewer infrastructure along the canal.

The SPLOST program is a one percent sales tax meant to fund various local projects that can transform and modernize various areas in Augusta. With an influx of additional funding for park sites and road refurbishments, city leaders are hopeful that the finalized project list will reflect the needs and desires of their constituents, thereby improving the quality of life and safety for all residents.

As the city progresses toward the critical August deadlines, the commissioners and city administrators continue to engage with the community to refine the project list further, hoping it will meet the expectations and needs of Augusta’s resident population.