Crews continue work on Augusta Canal due to Helene damage

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Crews are continuing to clear away tons of debris from the Augusta Canal.

The towpath is still closed to the frustration of many, but that just goes to show you how much damage the storm caused.

It could be May at the earliest before the towpath opens.

About a hundred trees fell into the canal. In some areas, workers are dealing with cracked embankments, which is a safety issue for someone walking beyond these gates.

It’s a place for peace and beauty.

“I always call it one of Augusta’s little gems,” said Jedidiah Ballad, who visits the canal.

John Purvis, who also visits the canal, said: “It’s one of the most scenic places in Augusta. To me, it’s on the river here.”

The canal took a beating from Hurricane Helene.

“For me, it was no problem. It’s like basically the same scene. There are fewer trees down there now, but it’s not a big deal,” said Purvis.

And that’s why a stretch of the canal is closed.

“We’re going to be rolling heavy machinery in January up and down the entire four-and-a-half-mile stretch,” said Augusta Utilities Director Wes Byne.

That’s phase one. In the next phase, they’ll drain the canal.

“We don’t want to do it. We recognize that it’s heavy watering season and everybody’s getting ready for the tournament. And everybody’s obviously got to have grass in their yards. So, we know there’s going to be a high water demand, but we’ve got to do it in order to restore the embankment, the embankment and the banks along the canal,” said Byne.

Byne says all together the cost could total up to $10 million, but that’s what it takes to restore the canal back to its original purpose.

Purvis said: “Well, you know, I enjoy walking that way. I’ll be glad when they have it open again. But no, it’s not. It’s not causing me any stress. Still very, very beautiful, probably will be for another 500 years.”

Byne says they are working with FEMA to see what’s eligible for reimbursement.

He says only a portion of the estimated $10 million to fix the canal is reimbursable.

He did want to remind folks that the canal is open from downtown to Lake Olmstead to the pumping station.

He says the gates are up for a reason. It’s for your own safety.

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