County wants time to spend state funds

Columbia County wants six more months to spend the first round of state greenspace money it received - a request that spurred Board of Commissioners Chairman Ron Cross to ask for monthly greenspace reports.

"To me, it's embarrassing when people give you money and you can't get it spent," he said.

The county has $188,618 left out of more than $516,000 it was given two years ago from the state to purchase land to preserve as greenspace. Officials were supposed to spend the money by July, but want six more months to ensure all the money will be spent.

The delay, officials say, is because of a couple of reasons - the intricate study of property available for purchase, and change in personnel.

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Part of the initial money was spent on 30 acres adjacent to the Blanchard Woods Park off Blanchard Road.

Cross said monthly reports to the commissioners on greenspace efforts will help assuage some of his concerns.

"I'm just not happy with what we've been told in the past and how we've progressed," he said.

County Greenspace Chairwoman Gwen Wood said officials hope to see an increase in the $15 million allotted across the state for greenspace preservation.

"But we'll work with what we've got," she said.