Recreation Department funding puts commissioners to work

AUGUSTA, Georgia (WJBF) – It has turn out to be Riverwalk versus barbecue pit, and a few commissioners say it’s no contest. 

“I’ve by no means heard any individual come to Augusta and say hey, ‘I’m going to the Julian Smith Barbecue Pit.’ However I do hear individuals say I visited Riverwalk,” says Commissioner Brandon Garrett.  

Again in April, the Recreation Division Director advisable $700,000 in already authorized Rescue Act funds for enhancements at Riverwalk. 

However final week, the division modified course saying the renovations on the Barbeque pit are over price range so he advisable diverting the Riverwalk cash to the Barbeque pit. 

“I’m effective with that as a result of you have got an entire lot of issues to do you have got just a little bit sum of money to do it with,” says Commissioner Dennis Williams.  

However there may be much more cash wanted for Recreation initiatives.

Commissioners authorized $6.5 million for a brand new Brigham Group Middle, however the bids got here again at over $8 million so one other $1.6 million will likely be wanted. 

“We acquired that additional – effectively I don’t name it additional – however $10 million from ARP (American Rescue Plan) that we’ll want to have a look at,” says Mayor Professional-Tem Bobby Williams. 

There are greater than $10 million in Rescue Act funds unassigned so ought to a few of these {dollars} go to the Brigham Middle?  

“I don’t wish to contact them. There are going to be instances developing we’re going to want that cash,” says Garrett.  

Commissioners are scheduled to get an inventory of wanted work on the barbecue pit and Riverwalk as they determine which one to fund.