Augusta, GA

Federal funds secured for Augusta Regional Airport

Published

2 years ago

October 31, 2024

Federal funds secured for Augusta Regional Airport

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – U.S. Senators Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff announced they have secured over $14,000 in grants to the Augusta Regional Airport.

The funds were made possible through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, officials said.

Airports being awarded are:

Augusta Regional Airport (taxiway construction and upgrades) – $8,008,660
Columbus Airport (runway reconstruction) – $24,472,527
Dalton Municipal Airport (runway upgrades) – $2,400,000
DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (runway upgrades) – $8,585,711
GDOT (planning funds) – $1,000,000
Polk County Airport (runway upgrades) – $3,950,000
Savannah/HHI Airport (taxiway construction) – $11,465,048
Southwest Georgia Regional Airport in Albany (infrastructure upgrades) – $3,764,809″

U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff today announced new Federal resources to upgrade Georgia’s airports through the bipartisan infrastructure law.

Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock announced airports in Atlanta and Augusta will receive over $19 million through the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Terminal Program (ATP).

The Federal resources can be used to build, modernize and upgrade airport facilities and strengthen transportation options for passengers.

“Georgia’s airports are a key driver of job creation and economic competitiveness. Alongside Senator Reverend Warnock, we are pleased to announce this funding through the bipartisan infrastructure law for airport upgrades across the State of Georgia. Our bipartisan infrastructure law will continue to deliver long-overdue upgrades to Georgia’s infrastructure for years to come,” Sen. Ossoff said.

“This new investment is a testament to the good we can accomplish when we reach across the aisle and center the people in policymaking,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “Georgia is one of the most important aviation states in the nation, and as a member of the committee responsible for transportation policy, I will continue working to strengthen Georgia’s aviation economy.”

More information on these Federal grants can be found below:

Augusta Regional Airport, $4,000,000 – This award partially funds expanding the existing passenger security screening checkpoint.
Atlanta Regional Airport – Falcon Field, $1,000,000 – This award funds the design of a new sponsor-owned airport traffic control tower.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, $14,300,000 – This award funds the rehabilitation, modernization, and expansion of public restrooms in the terminal concourses.

Sen. Ossoff continues working to upgrade Georgia’s airport infrastructure.

In September, Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock secured over $60 million in Federal investments for Georgia’s airports.

In May, Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock delivered over $120 million in Federal grant funding for airport infrastructure upgrades.

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Augusta, GA

25-year-old woman killed in shooting on Cameron Drive

Published

2 hours ago

May 15, 2026

Press Room

25-year-old woman killed in shooting on Cameron Drive

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – One person has died after a shooting on Cameron Drive in Augusta early Friday morning.

The Richmond County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as 25-year-old Khyla Rodriguez, of Augusta.

Richmond County deputies responded to the 3600 block of Cameron Drive around 1:11 a.m. for a suspicious situation.

While on scene, deputies spoke to the complainant who stated they got a call form an unknown person saying their friend was dead at the incident location.

Deputies then searched the area, where they found Rodriguez on the ground unresponsive with several gun shot wounds to the stomach area.

The coroner’s office says Rodriguez was pronounced dead at 2:27 a.m. An autopsy has been scheduled.

As of 4:15 a.m., at least one deputy and crime scene crews were still on scene.

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Augusta, GA

Four indicted in Augusta on federal drug trafficking charges

Published

14 hours ago

May 14, 2026

Press Room

Four indicted in Augusta on federal drug trafficking charges

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Four individuals from Augusta have been indicted by a federal Grand Jury on federal drug trafficking charges, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Southern District of Georgia announced Thursday.

The following individuals were indicted:

(Indictments contain charges, and defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty.)

Tyriquez McFadden, 39, and Nichael Lessey, 44, both of Augusta, charged in a five-count indictment with Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl; Possession with Intent to Distribute 28 Grams or More of Crack Cocaine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon

Roman Kelly, 51, of Augusta, indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin; and Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine.

These charges carry statutory penalties up to life in prison, substantial financial penalties and a period of supervised release upon completion of any prison term.

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Augusta, GA

South Georgia wildfires 90% contained, but hot spots still a concern

Published

1 day ago

May 14, 2026

Press Room

South Georgia wildfires 90% contained, but hot spots still a concern

Two large wildfires in south Georgia have burned approximately 54,000 acres and are now 90% contained.
Suppression costs for the fires are estimated to exceed $18.3 million, with crews still managing hot spots.
Georgia remains in an extreme drought, increasing the risk of fires throughout the summer.

Two large wildfires burning in south Georgia were now 90% contained, as of Wednesday, after consuming about 54,000 acres, according to the Georgia Forestry Commission.

The Pineland Road Fire has burned 32,575 acres. The Highway 82 Fire has burned 22,420 acres.

However, fuel conditions remain extremely dry, officials said. Containment continues to improve on both fires, but crews remain actively engaged in patrol, suppression, and mop-up operations.

Seth Hawkins, urban and community forestry program coordinator for the Georgia Forestry Commission, worked on the Highway 82 Fire in Brantley County, which is still about 22,000 acres. Suppression costs are estimated to exceed $18.3 million.

“The rain put out the active flame on that fire,” Hawkins said. “However, there’s still that deep layer, that organic material, burning, and hot spots can still flare up as soon as humidity drops.”

Hawkins said 166 people are still working hot spots on the Highway 82 fire, setting up sprinkler systems where needed.

As of May 12, the State Forester burn ban has been lifted, but the Environmental Protection Division’s summer burn ban remains in place. Many counties may still have local ordinances. Georgia residents are encouraged to check with their county before burning.

The state remains in an extreme drought.

“It’s just unique down there because of all that organic fuel,” Hawkins said. “And when it dries out, it’s very susceptible to ignition. It’s going to be a long, hot, dry summer. We’re telling folks to keep their guard up and be safe with campfires and debris burning.”

This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Journalism Funding Partners.

Erica Van Buren is the climate change reporter for The Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@usatodayco.com or on X: @EricaVanBuren32.

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