Falls of the Chattahoochee: Columbus, GA
RESTORING OLD GLORY WITH NEW WHITEWATER
Restoring the Falls of the Chattahoochee – Communities on both sides of the Chattahoochee River have already enhanced their riversides and uptown business districts, but progress on their waterfronts has for decades been held back by two antiquated dams. MWDG’s design includes the removal of the dams which will reveal magnificent whitewater rapids that have been inundated for nearly 200 years. One has been partially dismantled, so the decades-long dream is becoming a reality.
Improving the Quality of the Downtown Experience – Dam removal will dramatically improve the quality of the downtown experience provide new economic opportunities in Columbus and neighboring Phenix City, Alabama by:
- Creating exciting whitewater rapids and falls within view of a shops restaurant and urban loft apartments
- Creating a two mile whitewater rafting run that begins and ends in a vibrant and historic mill district
- Enhancing property values, attract 60,000 to 100,000 visitors per year and have a $4 to $7 million annual economic impact
Environmental Restoration – The project, currently under construction, includes:
- Partial removal of two historic dams, and preservation of a National Historic Landmark district
- Restoration of two miles of river habitat for listed endangered species
- Fish passage for American shad, striped bass and herring
The western, river right side of an unused dam was partially removed in March, 2012 to facilitate construction on the river-left / Georgia side of the river. The other dam,upstream, is uneconomical to operate. Ultimately, dam removal will restore the river to its free-flowing state, exposing what the original river corridor offers. The communities on both sides of the Chattahoochee have already enhanced their riversides and uptown business cores, and plan to revitalize their dwindling mill districts with destination activities anchored by whitewater recreation.
Services Provided – Conceptual Design / Bathymetric Survey / Artist’s Renderings / Stakeholder Input / Physical Model / Preliminary and Final Design
