AUGUSTA, Ga. - It's a plan uniting two cities on both sides of the river. The Westobou Vision is a $250,000 project developed by Augusta Tomorrow. It’s been in the works for a year.

Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver and North Augusta Mayor Lark Jones met for a ceremonial handshake on the Fifth Street Bridge to show unity for the project.

The idea is to create a very people-friendly downtown area that's easy to walk around and allows people to enjoy both cities. It's a project that could take 20 years before the entire plan is complete.

“It's moving the region to another level. It's reinventing them,” said John Shields, Master Plan Director.

Transforming what was once a thriving industrial community in the 1800's into a bustling urban area. The development stretches from Laney-Walker Boulevard in Augusta to Georgia Avenue in North Augusta with the Savannah River as the main artery.

The Westobou Vision is divided into nine districts. Some of the projects include expanding Augusta's Medical District with a Health Science Center. The architects say bringing more research to Augusta would attract more people to the area.

They also want to develop some of the untouched parts of the Savannah River near Sand Bar Ferry Road. Planners want to create an open recreation area with room for camping, special events and agricultural use.

Augusta's downtown will also get a makeover. Architects want to move some parking spaces on Broad Street to Ellis Street and turn the median into an area with restaurants, live entertainment, and other shopping.

Architects have even found a use for the aging Fifth Street Bridge.

"It really provides an ideal place where you can think about placing trails, shops, and eating, right along the bridge itself," said Shield.

Augusta and North Augusta will vote on the Westobou Vision next week. It would take about 20 years to complete the entire project and it’s estimated to cost $1.5 billion. Planners are hoping some of the money will come from SPLOST, North Augusta, and private investors. Despite the price tag, the benefits of building new businesses and research facilities mean good news for the Georgia-Carolina job market.