A $1.8 million capital campaign to establish research programs on the Savannah River is more than 80 percent complete because of private contributions and commitments from local governments.
|
ADVERTISEMENT
|
|
|
Have a thought?
Go to the Forums or Chat.
|
|
|
"We've received positive and diverse support for this project," said Jackie Maryak, the executive director of the Southeastern Natural Sciences Academy, creator of the Savannah River at Risk Initiative.
The studies will include efforts to explore the impact of cities such as Augusta on rivers such as the Savannah, and the findings will be shared with communities, governments and academic institutions.
Issues to be explored include how to allocate wastewater capacity and fresh water needed for industries and cities.
Currently, Georgia takes a much larger share of such resources than South Carolina, and both states expect to be able to use the Savannah River to fuel future growth.
The only capital component of the project is a $300,000 administrative headquarters that also will house the Center for Urban River Research, Ms. Maryak said.
The project was funded immediately by a grant from the Knox Foundation, and the 3,500-square-foot building is now under construction at the academy's Phinizy Swamp Nature Park campus. Once completed, the organization will move from its Telfair Street quarters to the park.
The balance of the campaign involves financing research studies, equipment and outreach efforts associated with the river studies.
So far, 110 private contributors - both businesses and individuals - have committed funds to the three-year project, including a $250,000 donation from Morris Communications Corp.
"The big picture was, we needed $1.815 million," Ms. Maryak said.
To date, about $1.5 million has been secured, with other commitments still under consideration.
Augusta's Utilities Department committed $300,000 and the city of North Augusta committed $75,000.
On April 11, Columbia County's Public Works Committee endorsed a $100,000 contribution to the project and forwarded its recommendation to the full Board of Commissioners, which will consider the request at its Tuesday meeting.
Other pending requests include Aiken County, which has been asked for $100,000, and Edgefield County, which has been asked for $25,000.
The River at Risk campaign is the latest in a growing number of initiatives undertaken by the academy, which also operates a wetlands mitigation bank and ecological restoration area on nearby land owned by Merry Land Properties.
The academy's goals include further study of ways to improve water quality and reduce man's impact on the river.
One future project involves a plan to use recycled wastewater for industrial processes, thus eliminating pollutants that currently enter the river.
Reach Rob Pavey at 868-1222, ext. 119, or rob.pavey@augustachronicle.com.
