Part of the "RIVER RATS" initiative
Expand and connect Augusta to the sides of the river and beyond, not just by motor vehicles, but by bike, ferries, and on foot. The recommendation calls for greenway trails and multi-use paths, pedestrian and bicyclist bridge connections, ferry service at selected dock points, improved docks, water taxi and food vendor opportunities, signage, amenities, and coordinated transportation alternatives connecting South Carolina and Georgia while incorporating the levee as a continuous landscape of inviting pathways and connectors.
Tracks expanded places to walk and bike across Augusta and North Augusta river areas.
Tracks ADA accessibility and broad access across the river to places to walk and bike.
Tracks improved signage cost.
Tracks extension of green space at the Commons and other parallel underused spaces.
Tracks a solution to greenway trail issues at 13th Street and Sandbar Ferry.
Tracks formation of a Connectivity Committee within the new Riverfront Coalition.
Tracks greenway trails and multi-use paths, both paved and unpaved, connecting communities and allowing passages for all users.
Tracks whether I-20 bridge replacement includes a foot bridge.
Tracks the action timeline categories each subcommittee should use.
Tracks the short-term budgeting deadline for each accepted goal.
Tracks creation of a blueprint for future projects that benefit all citizens.
Tracks cost of strategic development consultant to oversee project phases and long-term vision.
Tracks data collection needed to rebrand from a sports and outdoors lens.
Tracks studies of economic impact as a measure of success.
Tracks pedestrian bridge creation from North Augusta over the river to the Commons downtown.
Tracks business development as a measure of success.
Tracks surveys of new and long-standing residents as a measure of success.
Tracks the land-based connectivity plan along the Savannah River corridor.
Tracks full project scope referenced in the base cost estimate.
Tracks pedestrian/bicyclist bridge construction along 13th Street to coincide with green space and paved pathways for riding.
Tracks dock repair cost.
Tracks cost for 3 miles of greenway corridor including paved surface, permits, design, and amenities.
Tracks subcommittees focused on Greenway Trail, Pedestrian Bridge, Green Spaces, Political Relations, and Water Taxis.
Tracks city dock improvements and access improvements for tours, taxi, food vendors, and other riverfront-related business ventures.
Tracks partnership agreement creation within the RFP for docks, maintenance, ferry service, and cross-river transportation options.
Tracks work with existing landowners to create a strategic vision for riverfront properties.
Tracks creation of a Water Taxi Strategic Plan.
Tracks whether non-motorized transportation alternatives and river connections help overcome challenges citizens face when visiting the river.
Tracks improved access to the Riverfront for bicyclists and runners regardless of weather and events.
Tracks the plan as the first project extending to all parts of the Augusta metro area.
Tracks counts of trail users as a measure of success.
Tracks whether current transportation infrastructure needs by land and water are addressed.
Tracks housing development as a measure of success.
Tracks a water-based connectivity plan highlighting and enhancing non-motorized river transportation alternatives.
Tracks review of construction contracts and added clauses for active connectivity actions and funding.
Tracks easier participation in Riverfront activities through interconnected greenway facilities.
Tracks number of possible funding opportunities listed in the report.
Tracks creation of signage and marketing materials for riverfront connectivity.
Tracks likely partnerships and resources listed in the report.
Tracks estimated cost for the Bicyclist and Pedestrian Bridge crossing the river.
Tracks attraction of Millennials to riverfront facilities through experiences rather than material goods.
Tracks security improvements and amenities such as Wi-Fi, picnic areas, and preservation spots.
Tracks establishment of greenway trails along river frontage with paved and unpaved sections.
Tracks repositioning the levee from a perceived wall to an expansion of green space environment.
Tracks greenway corridor scope tied to the $600,000 budget item.
Tracks ferry service at selected dock points on both sides of the river.
Tracks base cost indicated for a 37-mile project.
Tracks identification of T-SPLOST funding to cover costs.
Strategic development consultant to oversee project phases and long-term vision: around $100,000; 3 miles of greenway corridor: approximately $600,000, including paved surface, permits, design and amenities; 37-mile project base cost indicated at approximately $22 million, some already accounted for in city/state funds; Bicyclist and Pedestrian Bridge crossing river: similar projects in the state look to be around $10 million; dock repairs: $200,000; improved signage: $100,000. The report notes ferry service would ultimately be provided by a private company, but the city and county may need to offer incentives and funding streams.