4 months ago
Bibb County commissioners plan to hire a company that will help them draw up a master plan for the future of Lake Tobesofkee.
Commissioners met at Lake Tobesofkee Friday to discuss the lake's future and and what projects at the lake might be included in a 2010 SPLOST, or penny sales tax.
They said they'll request proposals from companies that will look at improvements at the lake. He hopes the commissioners will have group to select from in the next few weeks.
"What we hope to do is look at things that are candidates for public-private kinds of endeavors but also look at things that might be candidates for grants and for a SPLOST," said Commission Chairman Sam Hart.
The group would help commissioners form a plan that will map out how long it will take for new features to appear, how much they could cost, and the best location for them at Tobesofkee.
In June, the county reviewed a study commissioned to see what what features and improvements people in Bibb County and Central Georgia would like to see at the lake. Suggestions included a water park at Tobesofkee, expanded trails, and upgraded equipment among others.
The commissioners took a boat ride to check out progress at Arrowhead Park. The area took a beating from last year's Mother's Day storms. Workers have placed new picnic tables, bath-houses and pull-throughs for visitors to the park. The area is still closed as repairs and upgrades continue.
Tobesofkee's Director, Doug Furney says improvements to the park will benefit the entire county, even if people don't frequent the lake.
"People from out of town, they're gonna come and use the hotels and the motels, they're gonna use the restaurants and things like that so it would definitely be a boom for Bibb County," he said.
Commissioners also discussed other projects that might be included in a future SPLOST.
Chairman Hart listed the new judicial center and possible solutions to stormwater flooding problems that some people see at their homes after long rains, as some projects that could make the SPLOST.
Hart says the county will be in contact with the city about other projects they might like to see included on a SPLOST as well.
If passed, he says the SPLOST could bring in between $175 - $180 million.
