Augusta, GA

Ga. budget plan includes $10.7M for design of new MCG building

Published

2 years ago

February 20, 2024

Ga. budget plan includes .7M for design of new MCG building

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Georgia Senate on Tuesday released its budget for the next fiscal year, including $10.7 million to fund the design of a new “translational research” building for the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University.

This would allow the state’s flagship medical school to begin planning for a $146 million, 150,000-square-foot research building to house state-of-the-art labs and equipment for researchers and attract new physician-scientists and faculty to the state’s oldest and most prominent public medical school.

Translational research is meant to translating results in basic research into direct benefits for humans.

GA. CAPITOL COVERAGE:

MCG ranks 67th in the nation for National Institutes of Health research funding but ranks second in the country in NIH funding compared to other medical schools of a similar faculty size.

According to Regent James M. Hull, the new building would attract the talent Georgia needs for more research bench-to-bedside discoveries.

The Georgia House and Senate would need to agree in conference to fund the remaining cost of the planning for the new research building.

That is expected to be under $15 million for planning, design and demolition of buildings constructed in the 1950s.

The new translational research building is expected to cost $146 million, and funding for that project would need to be approved in next year’s budget.

Augusta leaders praised this first step in the process, including Augusta’s Mayor, Garnett Johnson.

“It’s important to note that every dollar of National Institutes of Health funding brings $2.64 back to communities where this important research is being done,” he said. “This is a wonderful signal from the Georgia Senate.”

Dr. J. Ben Deal, immediate Past Chair of the Medical College of Georgia Foundation, agreed.

“We need to expand what the Medical College of Georgia can do, but we can only do that with investment,” he said.

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Augusta, GA

Protestors in downtown Augusta speak out after strikes on Iran

Published

11 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Protestors in downtown Augusta speak out after strikes on Iran

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Local protestors made their voices heard after Israel and the U.S. announced strikes on Iran Saturday, ones that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reports say.

Protesters lined 13th Street in Downtown Augusta and walked across the river to North Augusta to make sure as many people as possible heard them.

50501 CSRA already had a march planned for Saturday, but in light of the strikes on Iran, decided to expand its focus.

Local leaders spoke about their concerns for the strikes, and roughly 60 people showed up to share theirs as well.

One of the event organizers said to make your voice heard your voice heard.

“Just call your people, call your representatives, if you don’t like that Iran was bombed, I don’t either. But call people and let them know, email them. Let it be relentless. Congress did not approve this. They have a say in this,” Zee Cook said.

The strike is being called “Operation Epic Fury,” with Iran responding with multiple missile and drone strikes across the Middle East.

In a social media post, President Trump said the bombing of the country will continue “as long as necessary.”

People across the world began lining the streets as well in support and against the decision.

Leaders across the world reacted to the news, including those in Georgia and South Carolina.

There’s a protest planned in Charleston and other regional cities this week.

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Augusta, GA

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

Published

23 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The city of Augusta announced a temporary closure of New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam Park.

Closure of the park at 2105 Lock and Dam Road will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to repair the lock and dam structure.

The park will be closed from March 4 to April 7.

All areas of the park will be closed.

However, the Baurle Boat Ramp will remain open and accessible to the public for fishing and boating activities.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

Published

1 day ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta 911 center has been named 2025 Communications Center of the Year at the Georgia Emergency Communications Conference in Athens.

The award recognizes excellence in public safety communications, innovation, leadership and service.

The award recognizes a center that demonstrates strong performance in emergency response coordination, training, technology and community engagement.

The Augusta center was selected among agencies statewide for its consistent service, professional standards and coordination with public safety partners.

“This recognition reflects the work our team does every single day,” said Daniel R. Dunlap, 911 director. “Our communications officers are the first point of contact during some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life. They provide reassurance, direction and critical coordination until help arrives. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and strength they show.”

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