MNN - Mother Nature Network

Two dams on the Chattahoochee River in Columbus, Ga., have altered the ecosystem and prevented the waterway from flourishing. But with the help of a $1 million donation from Aflac, the Chattahoochee Restoration Committee will soon restore the river to its natural state, helping native species like fish and flowers thrive.

 

John Turner, chairman of the Chattahoochee Restoration Committee, explains in this video how the project will make a significant impact on the local community.

 

The restoration consists of three 'big ideas': removing two historical dams to restore two and a half miles of river ecosystem, establishing a new outdoor recreational space with the largest stretch of urban whitewater rafting in the world, and revitalizing the natural river environment. Among the local species that are expected to flourish once again in the Columbus stretch of the Chattahoochee River are shoal bass, the shoal spider lily and Alabama shad fish.

 

The Aflac donation represents a sizable boost to the $26 million project, which is spearheaded by Uptown Columbus Inc. and will include a Riverwalk, a Rails-to-Tails project, a new pedestrian bridge and a new commercial plaza.

 

“We became engaged with the Chattahoochee Restoration Project based on Aflac being founded in Columbus, Georgia in 1955,” says Alfred Blackmar, Vice President of Facilities and Green Committee Chair at Aflac.

 

“The restoration of rivers will have a great impact on the local community,” he said. “It's going to bring thousands of people to Columbus. We're very proud to be working with the restoration group and look forward to helping them execute their vision.”