Augusta, GA
Augusta says repairing the 5th Street Marina could cost up to $5 million
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The city of Augusta says it could take $3-5 million to fix the 5th Street Marina.
While operators agree they need the repairs, they say a total overhaul could force docked boats to leave and the marina to close.
Operators want to have repairs made gradually and keep business running through it all, but the city says that would waste money.
“It was essentially band-aiding a matter. Once you replace something, it goes out again, you replace it, it goes out again,” said Interim Administrator Takiyah Douse.
While Francis Christian, manager of the 5th Street Marina, says he agrees with the work needed, it’s how they got to this point that has him frustrated.
“Ongoing repairs have been going on at that facility for quite some time,” said Douse.
Christian responded: “In over seven years, we haven’t had an inspection of the docks by the city. We walk the docks on a daily basis and make sure things, electrical cords aren’t in the water and things look normal. That’s on us. Now, once a month, we turn in a safety report that goes to Parks and Rec. What do they do with it? I don’t know.”
It’s now up to Central Services and voting commissioners on how they should fix the riverfront spot.
“While Mr. Christian thinks that the repairs are minor in nature, because they are safety related and involve water over electrical or electrical over water, in this particular case we want to make certain that this particular facility is safe for all parties involved,” said Douse.
Christian said: “If they do a major overhaul and disconnect all of the electricity, all of the boats will have to go. As long as they do it in phases, everything would be ok.”
Central Services is now going to figure out the scope of work, while the city of Augusta starts the procurement process to get things fixed.
The marina is leased out and owned by the city, and taxpayers will foot the bill to make those repairs through the city budget.
Other things in committee meetings:
- Flooding victims from June of 2023 spoke before the commission and now Risk Management is coming back out to do assessments after the threat of taking action against the city.
- HR director will come back next week on how to proceed forward on finding a new Parks and Rec Director.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Geoff Duncan visits Augusta to campaign on Monday
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Georgia Gubernational candidate Geoff Duncan made another appearance in Augusta on Monday, speaking at the IBEW Local 1579 on Reynolds Street.
Duncan is one of the three candidates vying for the Democratic nomination. Duncan said when he served as lieutenant governor of the state, he fought to expand access to health care in rural communities. He said if he’s elected, he’ll focus on lowering costs in other areas.
Duncan stopped by NewsChannel 6 ahead of the campaign stop to speak about his plans.
“Look, 90% of Georgians know what they’re talking about when they want to pass commonsense gun legislation like universal background checks, red flag laws, and in-home safe storage laws. As governor, I want to lead the charge, and I want to give political cover to those Republicans that want to do the right thing, build those consensus around those bills,” Duncan said. “I hope to get some of them the cosign that legislation. Because it meets people where they’re at. It’s common sense. Look, I don’t want anybody to ever walk by a television screen and make another excuse for a mass shooting when it could have been stopped. With just common sense laws that are on the books.”
Photojournalist credit: Regynal McKie
Augusta, GA
Golden Harvest hosting 15th Annual Georgia Legal Food Frenzy
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Golden Harvest Food Bank is partnering with local legal organizations for the 15th Annual Georgia Food Frenzy.
The fundraising competition is held in partnership with Feeding Georgia, the Office of the Georgia Attorney General, the State Bar of Georgia, and the Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Georgia.
The two-week competition runs from April 20th through May 1st, and every dollar raised stays local, supporting Golden Harvest’s work across the state of Georgia.
Groups can register at www.galegalfoodfrenzy.org/sign-up, and registration will remain open throughout the competition.
Augusta, GA
Geoff Duncan campaigns in Augusta ahead of Election Day
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Georgia gubernatorial candidate Geoff Duncan campaigned in Augusta ahead of Election Day, making stops at two churches and meeting with local faith leaders.
The former lieutenant governor visited Good Hope Baptist Church on Cedar Street, where he spoke with the Greater Augusta Interfaith Coalition’s “Music to the Polls” group.
Duncan told us that, if elected governor, he wants to expand Medicaid, pass what he called “common-sense gun legislation,” and create more economic opportunities statewide. He also pointed to affordability concerns impacting families and businesses.
“I want to take $1.7 billion of our state’s fund and wrap it around the axle of poverty,” Duncan said, adding that he wants to lower child care costs and improve temporary assistance programs.
Duncan also stopped at Miles Memorial Church on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
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