WLTZ 38 | Columbus Georgia Regional News & CommunityGovernor Deal visits Columbus

By Sara Belsole

COLUMBUS--Columbus received a special visitor today.

Governor Nathan Deal made several stops around the city today to meet with leaders and residents.

"Certainly the things happening in this area are exciting," Governor Deal said. "They are not only good for your area, but they're good for the state of Georgia and that is the kind of good news that I like to hear."

"He gets to see our enthusiasm for our new projects such as the BRAC growth and the white water river, which he is going to be taking a look at our plans coming up soon, and all the other growth opportunities we have in this community," Mayor Teresa Tomlinson said.

The governor's first stop: a breakfast at the chamber of commerce, where city leaders shared many of Columbus' recent accolades.

"When manufacturing started to dwindle with the textile industry going away, Columbus responded by saying we can do other things and you've certainly been one of those leaders," Deal said. "Obviously the good news here with Fort Benning is it is going to continue to spur the growth of this region."

After the welcome breakfast, Governor Deal visited the National Infantry Museum, the spot he said he was looking most forward to visiting. After that he went to the Columbus rotary lunch, followed by a visit to Pratt and Whitney

NBC 38 also spoke with Governor Deal about hard-hitting issues in the state, including the new immigration law.

It went into effect at the beginning of the month and has drawn criticism from some.

"The reality is that I think the state tried to do what it could within its jurisdiction to deal with an issue that costs the tax payers of this state a substantial amount of money, in education costs, in healthcare costs and in law enforcement costs," Deal said.

Deal also commented on the recent CRCT cheating scandal in Atlanta.

A state investigation found nearly 80% of Atlanta public schools cheated and the former school superintendent allegedly knew about it.

"The important part is that we are dealing with it in a forthright fashion. We didn't just try to sweep it under the rug and pretend that it didn't exist," Deal said.

The Governor wrapped up his visit with a meet and greet at Ranger Joe's military supply store.