Legislators get tour

State representative shows members of House committee how funds have helped city

Web posted October 12, 2000

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By Justin Martin
Staff Writer

He couldn't take Augusta to Atlanta, so state Rep. Jack Connell did the next best thing: He brought the House Appropriations Committee to Augusta for a close-up look at the progress that has been made and the promise that future endeavors hold.

The three-day whirlwind tour brought some of the state's most powerful lawmakers to Medical College of Georgia, Doctors Hospital, Augusta State University, Augusta Technical College and many area attractions.

Augusta State University President William Bloodworth Jr. (left) leads Rep. Buddy DeLoach and other lawmakers on a campus tour. MICHAEL HOLAHAN/STAFF

``The main purpose of the invitation is to allow the committee to see the progress that has been made on the projects that they have funded in the past and to let them see firsthand our plans and vision for the future,'' Mr. Connell said.

Mr. Connell is speaker pro tem of the Georgia House and serves on the Appropriations, Rules, University System of Georgia, Intra-Governmental Coordination, Special Rules and Ethics committees.

On Wednesday morning, the group heard from Larry Singer, chief information officer for the Georgia Technology Authority, and Holly Bates Snow of the Georgia Hospital Association.

Later in the day, the group toured MCG's radiology department and the burn victim center at Doctors Hospital.

At Augusta State University, the group was greeted by members of the political science club dressed as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Jesse Ventura and others.

After lunch at the Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Center, the group toured an old science building and the new science building.

``We thought we'd show you some things that are doing well and thank you for things you have done,'' said William Bloodworth Jr., president of Augusta State, shortly before he led the group across campus. ``You've really helped turn this place into a genuine university campus.''

Mr. Connell said he is optimistic the tour will help persuade the appropriations committee to keep sending state funds and grants to Augusta. Specifically, Mr. Connell said he hopes the state sets aside money to update MCG's radiology department and the educational institutions in the area.

State Rep. Terry Coleman, who serves as chairman of the appropriations committee, said it is always heartening to go into a community and see the good that has come from state funds.

Tours of Fort Discovery, the Augusta Museum of History and the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame and dinner with members of the Metro Augusta Chamber of Commerce were also part of the trip.

Reach Justin Martin at (706) 823-3552.

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