Commision moves ahead on study of whitewater park and other attractions (Columbus: construction, taxi)

[Airforceguy]

I think this could work for Augusta. The whitewater attraction in Columbus has been a huge success.

construction as well as repairing New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam.

The Savannah River near Augusta could soon look very different with not only a whitewater park but also a refurbished New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam.

The Augusta Commission voted unanimously to fund a $15,000 study by a Colorado firm to look at putting a whitewater park and other amenities like a zip line at the lock and dam. General Counsel Andrew MacKenzie said he could bring a contract back to the commission next week to hire McLaughlin Whitewater Design Group to do the study and Savannah Riverkeeper Tonya Bonitatibus said work could begin a little more than a week later and be done by the third week in July.

“This is a really strong step in Augusta,” Bonitatbus said. “It’s actually a little bit more than we ever expected.”

Many of the commission members wanted to add additional attractions, such as the zip line and a water taxi.

“How cool would it be to zip line across the Savannah River?” Commissioner Sean Frantom said.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is expected to announce this summer the options for replacing the dam and potentially the lock system, which are from the 1930s and have been decommissioned. Recent federal legislation requires the Corps to keep the pool level at Augusta that is currently maintained by the lock and dam system but also create a passage for migratory fish like the endangered shortnose sturgeon to traditional spawning grounds upriver.

Commision moves ahead on study of whitewater park and other attractions - News - The Augusta Chronicle - Augusta, GA