Despite $5M approval, South Augusta water park still lacks location, timeline

Published

1 month ago

February 11, 2026

Despite M approval, South Augusta water park still lacks location, timeline

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta commissioners are moving forward with plans for a long-promised water park in South Augusta, but the city will not build the facility alone.

The city set aside $5 million in taxpayer money to help jump-start the water park project.

Instead of building it itself, Augusta is trying to recruit a private company to contribute additional funding and operate the park.

The city administrator said Destination Augusta has been collecting proposals and intends to meet with potential partners Tuesday.

Residents push for updates on water park progress

The water park remains in the early planning stages, with no confirmed location or timeline. Voters approved the $5 million in funding through SPLOST in 2021.

Frank Howard, who lives near Diamond Lakes Park, has pushed commissioners for months about the project.

“South Augusta is hungry, we are hungry for some change, for some improvement, for something coming to South Augusta,” Howard said.

Melvin Ivey, another area resident, said he wants transparency about the project’s status.

“We have voted on it twice and no one has said anything. No one has presented any plans or anything. I want to know what’s going on,” Ivey said.

Diamond Lakes Park sees improvements while water park plans develop

While water park plans continue, Diamond Lakes Park is adding three new shaded areas that are currently under construction.

Howard showed the improvements at the park, saying the additions are “much better” and “only the beginning.”

Ivey believes Diamond Lakes Park would be the ideal location for the water park because the site spans more than 250 acres.

“I think Diamond Lakes is the ideal location,” Ivey said. “Diamond Lakes is over 250 acres and all you need is depending on the size.”

Both residents emphasized the need for a quality facility that serves the entire community.

“If you gonna bring water park over here, bring a water park that’s going to be satisfactory to everybody in South Augusta. Not only South Augusta, but the whole Richmond County,” Howard said.

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Trump to sign emergency order to pay TSA agents as Augusta airport preps for golf week

Published

1 hour ago

March 27, 2026

Press Room

Trump to sign emergency order to pay TSA agents as Augusta airport preps for golf week

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – President Donald Trump said he will sign an emergency declaration to pay TSA agents, as nearly 500 have quit since the shutdown began.

More than 40 percent of Atlanta’s TSA agents did not show up on Wednesday, leading to long lines at Atlanta’s airport and across the country. It is unclear when President Trump will sign the emergency order. TSA workers will miss their second paycheck Friday.

In a statement on Truth Social, President Trump said, “I am going to sign an Order instructing the Secretary of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin, to immediately pay our TSA Agents in order to address this Emergency Situation.”

The president thanked TSA agents. The Department of Homeland Security as a whole will not be funded at this time. The Coast Guard and FEMA are among the agencies still impacted.

If senators do not reach a deal to fund the department on Friday, they are set for a two-week recess.

Augusta airport prepares for tournament week

TSA workers are a concern as tournament week approaches in Augusta. Security and safety are also concerns after a plane collided with a fire truck at LaGuardia Airport.

Augusta Regional Airport and its fire department are working to keep visitors safe as they fly in for tournament week.

William Kovalchuk, a sergeant with the Augusta Airport Fire Department, operates an airport-specific fire truck.

“There’s a ton of traffic and a ton of congestion. This whole ramp area where I showed you guys a little bit ago, it’ll be completely filled with aircraft,” Kovalchuk said.

Tournament week sees the regional airport become a global hub, with flights in from 13 extra cities and more than 200 private planes parked on the tarmac.

Lauren Smith, deputy director of Augusta Regional Airport, said the airport works closely with the FAA during tournament week.

“During that time, we actually work very closely with the FAA to bring in additional controllers,” Smith said.

Extra controllers keep the airspace and runway safe. Enhanced safety measures are in place inside the terminal as well.

“Overall, everyone brings in more staff. The tenants, the rental car agencies, the airlines, the airport itself,” Smith said.

The fire department stages a second station across the airport to cover every flight.

“The manning will be stepped up quite a bit,” Kovalchuk said. “We don’t want to see anything happen, but we’re prepared for it.”

The airport said the average wait time is still less than an hour to get through security during tournament week.

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Augusta, GA

Jefferson County library director named Georgia Library Director of the Year

Published

13 hours ago

March 26, 2026

Press Room

Jefferson County library director named Georgia Library Director of the Year

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Georgia Library Director of the Year was honored at a ceremony in Jefferson County.

Christina Shepherd received the award and a county proclamation. Jefferson County officials also honored the library board during the ceremony.

“I’m very thankful. I think it’s great for Jefferson County to have this award brought here and bringing light to us,” Shepherd said. “I don’t think I do anything extraordinary that any librarian wouldn’t do, but I just keep doing it. I appreciate it. I’m thankful.”

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Augusta, GA

CSRA Habitat for Humanity gets $1.85M to build affordable housing in Augusta

Published

1 day ago

March 26, 2026

Press Room

CSRA Habitat for Humanity gets .85M to build affordable housing in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta/CSRA Habitat for Humanity has been awarded $1.85 million to build new affordable homes in Augusta’s historic Turpin Hill neighborhood.

The federal funding was secured with the support of Georgia’s U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock.

The funding will expand housing opportunities for working families and revitalize one of Augusta’s oldest communities.

“Turpin Hill is one of Augusta’s oldest and most storied neighborhoods, a community built by generations of hardworking families whose roots run deep in this city,” said Bernadette Kelliher, President and CEO of Augusta/CSRA Habitat for Humanity.

“These new homes will reflect the strength of the neighborhood’s past while creating a foundation for families to build their futures. This is about restoration, dignity, and ensuring that the next generation can write their own chapter in this historic community.”

This federal investment strengthens ongoing efforts to expand affordable housing opportunities across Augusta.

“Georgia families urgently need more affordable housing. That’s why Senator Reverend Warnock and I brought Republicans and Democrats together to strengthen the Augusta/CSRA Habitat for Humanity’s efforts to build new housing units for families across Augusta and the CSRA,” said Ossoff.

Senator Raphael Warnock added, “This investment demonstrates what is possible when Congress works together to support communities and families in need. We are in a housing crisis. America is not building enough housing and costs are continuing to soar.”

Since its founding in 1986, Augusta/CSRA Habitat for Humanity has partnered with families, volunteers and community supporters to build and preserve homes throughout the Central Savannah River Area.

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