Alison Couch takes office just in time for a long-awaited moment in Columbia County District 4.
After repeated delays, on Jan. 23 the I-20 Exit 183 interchange at Harlem-Appling Road is supposed to be complete.
“So, currently, they have opened traffic on the new bridge. The big thing we’re waiting on right now is to get traffic in the two new roundabout configurations,” said Couch, who made frequent project updates part of her campaign for the commission seat.
Couch, who takes her oath of office Jan. 3, said she’s looking forward to keeping up conversations with constituents in the fast-growing district, which includes Grovetown, Harlem and Appling.
“I hope to really be an advocate for District 4 and bring the concerns of the citizens to the county, so that we can work on solutions for any issues that might be out there,” Couch said.
She’s already been attending commission, planning commission and committee meetings and expects to chair the county’s community and emergency services committee. The committee oversees parks and recreation, animal services, libraries, the convention and visitors bureau, emergency management and more.
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Each of the county’s four district commissioners is expected to chair at least one committee.
In the near future Couch said she’s ready to get District 4 sales tax projects moving along.
They include a tournament park planned near Grovetown, another large park similar to Patriot’s Park, upgrades to Harlem city park, renovating or rebuilding several fire stations and renovating the Old Pollard House in Appling.
“I’m really looking forward to helping advance the District 4 SPLOST projects,” she said. “I’d like to get some feedback on what people would like to see in them.”
The longtime president of the Harlem Merchants Association said she’s excited to advocate for small businesses, as well as making more videos about local government matters. Couch said she recently made a video showing people how to look up county ordinances and is making one about using the county GIS website.
Communicating with the public was part of her platform, and Couch said she’s already met with several groups about concerns, such as a rezoning on Gordon Highway.
“I’m thrilled that people are already reaching out to me as much as they are,” she said.
Couch, along with commission Chairman Doug Duncan and Commissioner Connie Melear, will be sworn in at a 5:30 p.m. meeting Jan. 3 in the county government building.
Susan McCord is a staff writer with The Augusta Press. Reach her at susan@theaugustapress.com
