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ALBANY, GA -- After what he said "was a slow process" Albany Mayor Willie Adams dedicated the first of the city's gateways Tuesday afternoon.

The site, which is located on Newton road right outside of the Southwest Georgia Regional Airport, was the center of attention while an official ribbion cutting took place.

The gateway project was started back in 2005 by Keep Albany-Dougherty Beautiful.

Mayor Adams noted payment for the signs, four in total, was an 80/20 split with the city and the Department of Transportation.

"On my way out it really does my heart good to see the beautification of the city. We all know that when people first come their first impression they get is generally the last impression. So when people come into the airport and they see this beautiful sign they got a positive thought in their mind about Albany" said Adams

The other signs were expected to be completed Tuesday as well - and the upkeep of the area around them will be managed by volunteers from Turner Job Corp and Albany Tech.