Q: Unicoi State Park and Lodge holds several conferences throughout the year. One of the fall conferences I usually attend was moved to Lake Lanier Islands. I talked to several people about the renovations at Unicoi, and they told me they haven't started. When are the Unicoi renovations going to be completed, and who is paying for them? — William McKee Jr., Flowery Branch
A: The renovations to the lodge and cabins at Unicoi State Park are scheduled to start by early spring and be completed next year, although a completion date hasn't been set. "We might have to work around the busier times," Bill Donohue, the executive director of the North Georgia Mountains Authority, told Q&A on the News. "We don't want the construction to make an impact at all." The authority, which is associated with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, governs state parks. The lodge at Unicoi, which is in Helen, was built in 1972, expanded in 1983 and was most recently renovated about 10 years ago, Donohue said. It has 100 rooms and 30 cabins, according to its website. He said the Georgia Legislature approved about $13 million for the renovations to Unicoi and five other properties and state parks. Those include Amicalola Falls State Park and Lodge, Georgia Veterans State Park, the Brasstown Valley Resort, Little Ocmulgee State Park and George T. Bagby State Park. About $4 million will be spent at Unicoi, Donohue said.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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