(WALB Channel 10 News) ALBANY, GA – The city unveiled one of four new “Welcome to Albany” signs Tuesday. The project cost more than $750,000 but the city didn’t have to pay for all of it.

And city leaders insist the money they did spend was well worth it.

City Leaders believe the new signs will not appeal to visitors and give the city a facelift, but they may attract other things such as business to the area.

Albany City leaders cut bow on one of four new Gateway signs. The one near Southwest Georgia Regional Airport, was finished in time to welcome guests flying into town for the holidays.

“This is a beautiful addition to the city of Albany. When our visitors come in at the airport they can see this beautiful sign that says Welcome to Albany,” said Albany Mayor Willie Adams.

“You only get one chance to make a first impression and we want to do a good job. When people come to our community we want to say welcome in a big way and I think these signs do that,” said Albany City Manager James Taylor.

The City of Albany only paid for 20% of the cost, and grants paid for the rest. Mayor Adams says the city’s share was a good investment.

“It was an 80 to 20 split. Our 20% came a little over $200,000, but I think this is a great investment for the city of Albany as far as the beautification of the city,” said Mayor Adams.

The Gateway project was the brainchild of Keep Albany-Dougherty County Beautiful Director Judy Bowles who says the new signs will even have an economic impact by attracting new business.

“Anytime we visually enhance our community that’s a real plus for all of our community,” said Bowles. City officials hope citizens will appreciate the signs and help make sure they’re maintained.

Albany Tech, Turner Job Corps and volunteers will to help to maintain the landscaping around the signs The city used sales tax revenue to cover its part of the bill.

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