AUGUSTA, Ga. () – Even with more than three miles of trail closed since Helene, the canal is still drawing visitors.
“You still see a lot of trees that are down; however, nature remains beautiful. We even took some pictures of the fallen trees,” said Jonelle Hillman.
The damage to the canal is estimated to be between $8 million and $10 million, but the city has received approval for a $10 million grant dedicated to storm cleanup along waterways.
“The canal experienced the most extensive spreading damage of any waterway in the city,” said Wes Byne, director of the Augusta Utilities Department.
Augusta applied for another grant for the canal. However, after federal inspectors came the application was denied, so none of the $10 million will be used on the canal.
“They’ve seen the extent of the damage. They can help facilitate with other federal agencies. It was good for us, but ultimately not good for us,” said Byne.
Repairs will continue on the canal using department money, as the city searches for other sources.
“We were looking at utilizing the FEMA as part of recouping some of the money along the canal and hopefully we can,” said Mayor Pro-Tem Wayne Guilfoyle.
In the meantime, the city says this section of canal trail will stay closed at least until September after engineers do another inspection of the levee.
“I’m hoping to get in an out 30 to 45 days. I don’t know if that’s going to be possible, yet it really depends on what that final design plan looks like,” said Byne.
Along the canal, Helene proves costly and without a quick fix.
