$6.1 Million Awarded to Augusta Housing Authority From Stimulus Bill

$6.1 Million Awarded to Augusta Housing Authority From ... (Added: March 06, 2009)

It's money heading Augusta's way. The first bundle of cash from the stimulus bill goes to Augusta's Housing Authority. WJBF News Channel 6?s Barclay Bishop has the latest. (more)

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$6.1 Million Awarded to Augusta Housing Authority From Stimulus Bill

It's money heading Augusta's way. The first bundle of cash from the stimulus bill goes to Augusta's Housing Authority. WJBF News Channel 6’s Barclay Bishop has the latest.

By Barclay Bishop
Published: March 06, 2009

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Augusta, GA -- It's good news for the Augusta Housing Authority. Especially when they'll have $6.1 million to put towards a huge project that was on hold, but not anymore.

For the past 11 years, Peabody Apartments on Walton Way has been home for Virginia Lequeux.

Virginia Lequeux, lives in Peabody Apartments: “My whole apartment, I mean I've been blessed...blessed.”

Just recently she was upgraded to a newly renovated floor. New security cameras, laundry facility and even a dishwasher in her apartment. Up until about a year ago, that was the plan for the whole building...but then the money ran out.

Richard Arfman, Augusta Housing Authority, Director of Planning and Development: “It was first built back in 1967 and there are 250 units in there and it's designated for seniors. So it was built in '67, some of the insides needed some work done, especially the plumbing, mechanical and electrical systems.”

But things are looking up again for this public housing high rise. $6.1 million was given to Augusta's Housing Authority...just enough to finish renovations to the remaining 6 floors.

Arfman: “This is a good match, the units have never been renovated so we want to stay competitive with the private market and the units look great.”

Some, like Lequeux, already know what it's like to live in a better place...and wants her neighbors to know how happy they'll be when they get their chance.

Lequeux: “Oh I'm awful excited, for the people the who hasn't got it yet. They're going to really enjoy living in the moderation. They going to think they are in Heaven...really.”

Construction for Peabody Apartments will resume in July, and they expect to be completely finished in about 2 and a half years.

About $1 million was given to the city for a program to prevent homelessness...also, about $600,000 to create affordable housing and economic opportunities for low to middle-income folks.