Bridge collapse still a mystery

Authorities are still investigating why a pedestrian bridge under construction collapsed this morning at the Botanical Gardens in Atlanta. 1 worker died and 18 were injured. The "canopy walk" arches over a ravine to give visitors an elevated view of the new gardens. The structure gave way around 9 a.m. Joggers, dog walkers and others were in nearby Piedmont Park, but only workers were at the construction site. An officer from the Occupational Safety and Heath Administration was at the scene to see if federal safety standards were followed.

(Associated Press)

Pledges could save botanical gardens

The Golf Hall of Fame in Augusta may get the financial boost it needs to turn its botanical gardens into a free public park. The Gardens have been closed since June 30th after Gov. Perdue vetoed the funds needed to make it free to the public. Since then, 35 citizens and business have donated pledges of $1,000 dollars each.

But Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver says the Gardens need a combination of resources to reopen it as a public park. He says, "That is what I would like to see, a public/private partnership and one with education as well."

Possibilities include assistance from Augusta’s municipal departments, private benefactors, and Augusta Technical College, which may use the site for hands-on teaching in horticulture.

While there is no official plan, local businessmen, backed by the mayor, hope to reach an agreement with the Board of the Golf Hall of Fame. So far, the state has poured over $13 million dollars of public funds into the property.