Albany mayor, Dougherty commission chairman talk recreation, support for small business, community revitalization in ‘State of the Community’ talk

ALBANY – Albany Mayor Bo Dorough and Dougherty County Commission Chairman Lorenzo Heard sat down with Albany Area Chamber of Commerce’s President and CEO Barbara Rivera Holmes Wednesday to discuss the state of the Albany/Dougherty County community.

The event, sponsored by the chamber each year, gives top city and county leaders a chance to talk about progress seen during their tenure, as well as plans for future growth. Heard and Dorough talked about recent investments, revitalization in Albany’s downtown and Radium Springs as well as hopes for regional partnership with neighboring counties.

Both Dorough and Heard addressed filling vacant positions in their offices. Heard said he expects a new county administrator to be hired in the next 30 days. Dorough said the city will host interviews with two finalists for the city manager position in the coming weeks. He said he expects a decision will be made in the next 30 to 45 days.

Dorough talked about meeting his promise for expanded recreation programs throughout the city. The city will spend more than $26 million on renovating Driskell Park, Carver Gym, Henderson Park and Kalmon Malone Park.

The mayor broke down funding for these projects:

— $3 million for Driskell from a grant announced by Congressman Sanford Bishop;

— $6.5 million for the other three facilities using state funds allocated by Gov. Brian Kemp; 

— $13 million from SPLOST revenue;

— $2 million allocated by the city from ARPA funding in recreation.

Additionally, Dorough said, the county transferred responsibility for the tennis center to the city. The city allocated $1.25 million to construct a facility that will have eight pickleball courts and eight tennis courts. The city is waiting on approval from the University System of Georgia to have Albany State’s west campus as the facility’s site.

Dorough said the city could break ground on the project later this year if the state is willing to partner with Albany in its endeavor.

The mayor said Albany is on pace to achieve 85% separation with Phase 1 of its combined sewer and sanitation system by June 30, 2025. This project ensures sewage and industrial wastewater will not be discharged into the Flint River following heavy rainfall. The city was under administrative order by the EPA to achieve the 85% separation, and the project was projected to cost $300 million.

Phase 1 of this project will cost $135 million.

The mayor broke down funding for these projects:

— $40 million in loans from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority, which Dorough said will be paid by moderate rate increases;

— $20 million set aside from SPLOST 8;

— $15 million allocated by the city commission to the project from the city’s ARPA funds;

— $11 million in CARES funds;

— $6 million from prior SPLOST funds;

— $4 million grant with the assistance of Bishop;

— $4 million from the Army Corps of Engineers;

$3.5 million from the Dougherty County Commission from SPLOST 8 funding.

Dorough lauded the four new hangars constructed at the Southwest Georgia Regional Airport as well as a new general aviation terminal funded by “stimulus funds.”

He pledged the city’s continued efforts to recruit more officers to adequately address rising crime, better pay city employees, move toward renewable energy and fund more affordable housing.

Dorough said during his tenure, sworn officer starting salaries are 60% higher than four years ago, and city employee payroll was increased by some $2.3 million. The city is providing infrastructure for a subdivision with 29 single-family homes through state funding. It’s also partnering with Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital to construct new residences within the vicinity of the hospital.

Overall, the city commission allocated $2 million in ARPA funding for housing.

Lastly, Dorough emphasized the importance of investing in the growth of Albany’s downtown.

“We cannot reverse Albany’s decline until we revitalize our downtown,” he said. “We have to go back to our downtown because it reflects the health of our community,”

Dorough said converting the Hotel Gordon, on 207 Pine Ave., is “the genesis of commercial redevelopment downtown.” He pushed for special focus on investing in the Albany Civil Rights Institute and Flint RiverQuarium and continued support to revive the Harlem District and transition the Albany Museum of Art to its downtown building.

Heard said his mantra, “Let’s grow Dougherty County together,” is a driving force behind the county commission’s decision-making.

He reported that the county saw a $112 million increase in its tax digest since 2021, according to the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission. Heard attributed the increase to economic moves like Automotive Supplier Grudem bringing 65 jobs and $5 million in manufacturing investment to the county. He also pointed to the recent announcement that AMADAS Industries, the world’s leading manufacturer in advanced peanut harvest systems, is bringing 16 jobs and a $10 million investment in a manufacturing facility in the county.

Heard said the unemployment rate is “only at 4%.”

Holmes asked Heard about the county’s plan to revitalize Radium Springs, one of Georgia’s seven natural wonders. He said there are several efforts in the county to invest in growth at Radium Springs and that the county is applying for grants to support these efforts.

Heard said the county envisions Radium Springs as a place for locals to gather, use walking trails connecting to downtown and Albany State University, as well as a tourist attraction. 

However, Heard emphasized that the county is sensitive to the people who live in the area and are hesitant to see growth.

“I think Radium Springs could be a continued tourist attraction because of the water, because of its history … but how do we balance it without aggravating or offending the citizens who live there?” he said.

Overall, Heard said the county is making progress on multiple fronts: investing in infrastructure, improving roads, enhancing public safety with the latest technology and fostering an environment for flourishing businesses.

“This is why this platform, the state of the community, is important,” he said. “It gives us a chance as leaders to invite each of you to think about how you can contribute to this collective effort, whether it’s through your business or civic engagement. We all have a role to play in growing Dougherty County.”

Staff Photo: Lucille Lannigan