About this report

ABOUT THIS REPORT: The Republic began working in September to document the path Columbus city officials took to consider developing the former Walesboro airport as an industrial park. Today’s special report involved nearly two months of reporting and interviews. To compare the Walesboro project to other recent, major city initiatives, The Republic examined hundred of documents relating to the Crump, Mill Race Amphitheater and other significant projects, as well as earlier studies of the former airport property. The Republic interviewed community residents and consultants who worked on local projects and talked with public officials from around the state about how they obtain services or products.