Mayor Ferdon says state of the city is strong, outlines progress

Columbus Mayor Mary Ferdon held her third State of the City address Tuesday night at The Commons.

She said the city is strong and outlined upcoming initiatives and accomplishments including a new animal shelter.

Ferdon explained that the existing shelter was built in the 1980s and doesn’t meet today’s demands.

Ferdon said that the work on the riverfront is underway with bank stabilization, tree removal and replanting ongoing. She said that the project has been a long time coming.

Ferdon said that the city will begin rolling out a direction for the city transit system next month.

Ferdon said that the numbered city bus routes would be changing to a new color-coded loop system and the city will soon offer a rideshare style program. And routes will be expanding to Walesboro and Taylorsville.

The mayor also touched on upcoming improvements to the downtown entrance and the Quest program that seeks to make Columbus the best community in the country.

Columbus Mayor Mary Ferdon gives her State of the City speech Tuesday night at The Commons. White River Broadcasting photo