Columbia County GA

Columbia County is considered one of the fastest-growing counties in Georgia, with a 2005 estimated population of nearly 104,000 , according to Census figures.

The county, encompassing a 290-square-mile area, is named after Christopher Columbus and was founded December 10, 1790 and has an expansive history story line.

With growth occurring, Columbia County commissioners plan in 2007 to oversee the implementation of more than $43 million in capital improvement projects that were approved by voters in November.

In the next year, county officials plan to look into instituting an impact fee - a charge to developers to help offset costs from growth.  Officials also will pursue a sports and entertainment arena feasibility study.

In October 2005, Mullins Crossing shopping center, featuring such stores as Target and Kohl's, was opened on Washington Road in Evans.  Since then, several stores have been added to the center, and a Lowe's Home Improvement store is scheduled to open less than a mile from the center at the start of 2007.

Home Depot has expressed interest in opening a store across the road from the Lowe's at the former Evans Middle School site off North Belair Road.

A variety of housing is available in the county.  The choices range from apartment complexes, affordable ($70,000 to $90,000) homes and gated communities with estate-level properties.  There are several golf course communities, including two that opened in 2005, Bartram Trail Golf Course, a public course, and Champions Retreat, which is private.

The county also continues to improve services and add quality-of-life projects for it's growing number of residents.  Earlier this year, officials opened a new library and performing arts center that includes an indoor performance theater and outdoor amphitheater.  Several productions have occurred at the location since its opening.  The county also is working on a headquarters location at Wildwood Park for the Professional Disc Golf Association.

IT'S A FACT:

A new Columbia County Library was officially opened in March in Evans off North Belair Road next to Evans Government Complex and behind the county justice center.  The 51,000-square-foot facility is designed to accommodate growth through 2020 and includes a 300-seat performing arts center and an outdoor amphitheater and memorial gardens tot he side.  The new library replaces the county's former Warren C. Gibbs Library.