Augusta still searching for funds for canal repairs
Share this @internewscast.com

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.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Suzanne Morphew’s husband faces murder charge in court again

DENVER — On Tuesday, the husband of a woman who vanished on…

“Concert Chaos in Portland: Fans Face Long Waits in Lines”

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Thousands of Post Malone and Jelly Roll fans were…

Westville Library Secures Funding to Enhance Technology and Internet Access

WESTVILLE. (WCIA) — Every day, new research highlights the impact of technology…

Bears Enter Northern California Home Following Infamous ‘Den of Thieves’ Burglary: District Attorney

(KRON) — A “den of thieves” involving 17 suspects repeatedly targeted the…

Jury Enters Second Day of Deliberations in Australian Mushroom Poisoning Triple Murder Case

WELLINGTON – On Tuesday, a jury was in its second day of…

Understanding the Latest Georgia State Legislation

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) — Several new Georgia laws are taking effect July…

19 Floridians Face Charges in DOJ’s Largest Ever Health Care Fraud Investigation

In Tampa, Florida, more than a dozen residents have been charged following…

Jury Starts Deliberating in Diddy’s Sexual Misconduct Case

(NewsNation) — A jury of 12 members began their discussions on Monday…

22 Palestinians Killed in Gaza as Israeli Forces Allegedly Target Crowds at Food Aid Sites, Say Medics

CAIRO – At least 22 individuals lost their lives and 20 others…

Trump’s Massive Bill Stalls as GOP Faces Internal Disagreements During Extended Voting Session

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) needs to nail down the support…

Walmart Launches Its Inaugural Pre-Processed Beef Facility in Kansas

() Walmart has opened its first case-ready beef facility in Olathe, Kansas,…

Trump Administration Finds Harvard in ‘Significant Breach’ of Civil Rights Act

WASHINGTON () The Trump administration told Harvard University on Monday that an investigation had concluded the…