🌱 Affordable Housing In Augusta + Bids For Boathouse Restoration

Hi all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with your new copy of the Augusta Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out the most important things going on in town these days.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Partly sunny. High: 69 Low: 50.
• Friday: An afternoon shower. High: 71 Low: 49.

📢 I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Augusta who want to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales.

I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top three stories today in Augusta:

1. The City of Augusta is joining the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's HOME Investment Partnership Program to tackle housing instability in the community. The program will allow the city to construct and rehabilitate homes for homeless individuals or those at risk of homelessness. The HOME Program's objectives include increasing the availability of affordable housing for low-income Americans, assisting state and local governments and nonprofits in developing plans for affordable housing, and promoting collaboration between the public and private sectors on this issue. (WRDW)
2. Richmond County is finalizing its partnership with Central EMS, and a subcommittee of hospital leaders has been formed to examine response time data. The committee will seek input from Augusta citizens, with anyone allowed to attend meetings to learn about response times, the 911 system, and costs. Central EMS is also focused on hiring local EMS workers, with a job fair planned to fill around 75-100 full-time and 30 part-time positions. (WRDW)
3. Augusta city commissioners approved staff to seek bids for the restoration of the Boathouse, which suffered damage due to a burst pipe during the holiday season. The cleanup and restoration work is estimated to cost between $300,000 and $700,000, and old sales tax funds of around $580,000 have already been allocated to support the project. However, the Boathouse also needs extensive repairs and renovations to the interior, exterior, deck, and more, with a potential cost of up to $5.8 million; there is still a possibility of replacing the building altogether. (The Augusta Chronicle)

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Today and tomorrow in Augusta:

Thursday, March 16

• Acting Workshop At Musical Theatre Workshops (6:00 PM)
• Trivia With Mike Sleeper At The Pizza Joint (7:00 PM)

Friday, March 17

• Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade At Downtown Augusta (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• A house in North Augusta continues to grab attention for its front lawn flower shower. Each year, the pink house on the corner of Lake and Woodlawn blooms with hundreds of azalea flowers. (WRDW)
• Augusta University has announced its 2023 Distinguished Alumni and Outstanding Young Alumni. Congratulations to all! (Augusta University via Facebook)
• The Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce's Women in Business program had another successful event, with Shane Thompson from Windsor Fine Jewelers and Ed Presnell from Peach State Federal Credit Union as the presenting sponsor. The sold-out event, held at the First Baptist Church of Augusta, provided a fun, engaging, and educational experience for attendees. (Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce via Facebook)
• Are you a writer? Head over to the Augusta Public Library Headquarters today (Thursday, Mar. 16) for Writer's Club at 6 p.m.! Writers aged 19+ are invited to enhance their skills, participate in writing springs, and get feedback and encouragement along the way. (Augusta-Richmond County Public Library System via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Homebuyer Blueprint Live Webinar (March 16)
• Add your event

Alrighty, you're all good for today! See you all soon for your next update.

— Michelle Paul

About me: Michelle Paul is a Utah-based writer and photographer with a professional background in content management and registered nursing. When not working on projects ranging from photo editing to copywriting, they enjoy traveling, video games, and expanding their skills.