Dougherty County Board of Commissioners Holds State Delegation Appreciation Event Thursday

PRESS RELEASE

August 26, 2020

MEDIA CONTACT:

WENDY HOWELL

PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

229.854.0006 or 229.302.3006

whowell@dougherty.ga.us



Dougherty County Board of Commissioners Holds State Delegation Appreciation Event Thursday



DOUGHERTY COUNTY, GA – Dougherty County Board of Commissioners will hold an appreciation event for State Delegation on Thursday, August 27, 2020, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Flint RiverQuarium, to express appreciation to the delegation for their productive work in securing a state allotment of $1.2 million for renovations at Radium Springs during a challenging budget period in this year’s General Assembly. The event is open to invited elected and appointed leadership only.

During a meeting with State Delegation, including Senator Freddie Powell-Sims, District 12, Representative Gerald E. Greene, District 151, Representative Winfred J. Dukes, District 154, Representative CaMia Hopson, District 153, and Representative Bill Yearta, District 152, and Dougherty County Board of Commissioners in January, one of the legislative requests for this year’s General Assembly was a $1.2 million state funding allocation to Dougherty County for the repair of the Spring Run Bridge and Trail System at Radium Springs.

In February, State Delegation leaders had the opportunity to tour the Radium Springs Spring Run Bridge with Dougherty County Commission Chairman, Christopher S. Cohilas, and other Dougherty County Commissioners, in order to receive first-hand knowledge of the scope of the work needing to be completed.

In addition to decades of damage over the years, the combination of two floods, in 1994 and 1998, the tornadoes of 2017, and Hurricane Michael in 2018, the Spring Run Bridge at Radium Springs has been greatly impacted. The Bridge is the heart of flow into the springs and without the major repairs needed, the springs could not flourish. Some of the corrective measures the Bridge will need include the construction of wall foundations, filling of the cracks in the concrete and walls, and removal and replacement of unsound concrete.

The Trail System would begin in the old Radium Springs golf course area, where the trailhead is already being constructed, and run across the Spring Run Bridge, through the Springs, and eventually connect Radium to the downtown Albany trail along the Flint River. The Trail would restore life and resiliency to the Radium Springs area and the overall community.

“I’m proud of the collaboration between state and local officials to bring home the bacon,” said Commissioner Anthony Jones, Dougherty County District Six. “The $1.2 million puts the Dougherty County Board of Commissioners closer to their goal of completing the county’s master plan, which includes a trailhead and trail to eventually connect to downtown Albany. A great big thank you goes out to our State Delegation for advocating on the county’s behalf to secure the funds.”

“I was very surprised that Dougherty County received the funding in this shadow times of COVID-19, and with the short fall of taxes,” said Commissioner Victor Edwards, District Two. “As a county, we must take our hats off to our local delegation for all their hard work and continue to foster great relationships at the Capitol that benefit the people in Dougherty County. The Radium Springs project will be a major asset to our community upon completion for family fun.”

“With this funding, we will be able to bring back the vitality that once existed in Radium Springs and provide the restoration to this hidden community jewel,” said Christopher S. Cohilas, Chairman of the Dougherty County Board of Commissioners. “This is a win-win for Albany and Dougherty County and the state of Georgia.”

“Over the last two decades, Radium Springs has been devastated with natural disasters, including floods, tornadoes and hurricanes, which has ripped away the beauty and functionality of this Natural Wonder of Georgia and one of Dougherty County’s most beloved hidden treasures,” said Michael McCoy, Dougherty County Administrator. “Our state delegation’s support in helping to lobby and secure the funds needed for repairs and revitalization will benefit our area for decades to come and we are extremely appreciative of their hard work on behalf of our citizens and our community.”