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Augusta Infrastructure Projects Trace Roots to Recent Approvals and Funding Decisions
A series of developments now underway follows from approvals and funding measures put in place over the past several years.
How we reported this
The New Augusta Arena, a 10,500-seat venue that will replace the James Brown Arena, broke ground in June 2024 after earlier planning for the site. The project is projected to bring $1.6 billion to the region and support 600 permanent jobs once finished.
Venue Replacement Efforts
Work on the arena follows decisions to update entertainment and sports facilities in the city. The replacement of the existing James Brown Arena forms part of a broader effort to modernize key public venues through targeted investment.
Data Center Development
The $2 billion QTS data center on the 1,100-acre Macombs Road mega site received approval with a design that uses zero-water closed-loop cooling. The facility is expected to create between 160 and 220 jobs when operational.
Street and Canal Improvements
The Broad Street Improvement Project, funded by the Georgia Transportation Investment Act, began in April 2023. Crews are upgrading inside lanes, median improvements, sidewalks and bike lanes between 7th and 8th Streets, with completion expected in 30 to 36 months. Separate SPLOST-funded work includes the East Augusta Street and Drainage Improvements, now in progress at a cost of $1.6 million, and the Augusta Canal Improvements at $2.5 million under Phase V.
Capital Planning Ahead
The City of Augusta approved a Capital Improvement Plan for 2026-2030 that covers capital improvements over $25,000, with $185,000 appropriated for 2026 projects using CER funds. These steps follow from earlier approvals that set the framework for current construction activity across multiple sites.
Work on the listed projects continues under the timelines already established in the approved plans and funding measures.