Highlights From The Augusta Commission meeting Held May 7, 2024

In this week's Wrap-Up of the Augusta Commission meeting held on May 7, 2024, city officials approved various agenda items, such as the funding being allocated to support Senior Nutrition Sites. View a list of news briefs below for more details.

Issuance of Bonds for New Coliseum Complex

The resolution for the authorization of the issuance of $ 250 million in bonds for the construction of a new coliseum complex was approved. The bonds were sold on May 7, 2024, and the results of the sale were presented during the Commission meeting, which included information on the interest rate.

On November 7, 2023, Richmond County residents voted in favor of the imposition of the sales and use tax, which also constituted approval of the issuance of general obligation debt. The bond sale will provide the funding for constructing the new coliseum complex. The Augusta Commission has entered into an intergovernmental agreement with the Augusta Richmond County Coliseum Authority to manage the construction and operations of the new coliseum.

Senior Nutrition Sites Receive Additional Funding

Additional funding totaling $30,000 will be allocated to support Augusta, Georgia's Park and Recreation Department's Senior Nutrition Sites, which provide cost-free recreational services to program participants.

With 200 registered participants, the Department will increase the budgets for the six senior nutrition sites by $5,000 each and establish a field trip policy for the senior programs so that those funds can be managed by each community center manager and utilized for cost-free educational and cultural field trips.

Augusta Canal Pedestrian Bridge Receives Funding

Augusta Engineering and Environmental Services received approval and authorization to submit, accept, and receive Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Financial Assistance through GDOT FY2024 Local Road Assistance Administration (LRA) Funds for a proposed Augusta Canal Pedestrian Bridge.

Construction of the proposed trail provides the West Service Area of Augusta direct connectivity to the Augusta Canal Trail system. It will have beneficial quality of life and economic growth impact. The acceptance of GDOT allocated funds is the first step toward receiving other potential assistance from GDOT and federal sources.

McKnight Receives Nomination

Commissioner Catherine McKnight was nominated to be placed on the ballot for the election of Georgia Municipal Association's District 7 officers for 2024-2025. The final approval of GMA district officers will be given at the business meeting at GMA's annual convention on June 23, 2024.

Housing And Community Development Department Updates

• HCD received approval to enter a memorandum of understanding with the Georgia Rehabilitation Institute, Inc. to develop (2) ADA Accessible Units and (5) Rehabs. In partnership with HCD since 2019, GRI has provided financial assistance for ADA-accessible homes and has assisted with the HCD Home Rehabilitation Program. This local initiative will be called the Housing & Community Development - Georgia Rehabilitation Institute Project Initiative.
• HCD received approval to loan HOME- American Rescue Plan funds, in the amount of $1,000,000.00, for the construction of Watson Pointe in partnership with Woda Cooper Development, Inc. and Parallel Housing, Inc. for the sole purpose of a GA Department of Community Affairs (DCAs) Low Income Housing Tax Credit Project only.

Upcoming Events

May 18, 2024: Tire and Electronic Recycling Event, from 7am to 10am at the Richmond County Landfill.

May 21, 2024: General Primary and Nonpartisan Election

June 1, 2024: Augusta on Display 2024, from 9am to 12pm at May Park Community Center.

View the complete agenda from this week's Augusta Commission meeting at augustaga.gov.

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