Commissioners ask for clearer Riverwalk plan as they consider SPLOST funds
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Summary
Augusta commissioners discussed restoring the Edward M. McIntyre Riverwalk, possible boathouse and docks, and whether existing ARP funds are available; they asked staff to develop a master plan and cost estimates before final allocations.
Commissioners pressed staff for specifics about funding the Edward M. McIntyre Riverwalk during a SPLOST work session. Commissioner George Johnson said he requested an additional $2,000,000 to bring the city's ask to $5,000,000 for Riverwalk restoration and told the commission: "The request will be $5,000,000 for the restoration of the Edward And McIntyre Riverwalk." Director Williams confirmed she had asked for additional money to "restore Riverwalk to the destination that it once was."
Commissioners and staff discussed existing sources that could reduce the SPLOST ask. ISM owner AB Lansing said there are ARP funds previously set aside for Riverwalk, which he estimated around $1.213 million, but commissioners agreed that amount would not cover major improvements. Commissioner Johnson and others said they wanted a plan that would produce more than cosmetic repairs, asking whether additions such as a pier, improved docks, boat ramps and amenities could be part of a larger capital project.
Administrator Allen and director Williams said the city is preparing a downtown master plan and will coordinate with Destination Augusta and ISM on designs and cost estimates. Commissioners directed staff to have director Williams work with ISM and other stakeholders to produce a starting capital plan and cost assessment to present before the SPLOST due‑diligence deadline.
No formal funding decision was made; commissioners emphasized they would prefer projects with clear deliverables rather than one‑time maintenance spending.
