Local Community Local Community OverviewAs the center of Muscogee County, Columbus isranked as Georgia's2nd largest city.. On the other side of the Chattahoochee is Phenix City, county seatof Russell County and Alabama's 14th largest city since the consolidation of two small town in 1923.Columbus and Phenix city are linked by fourhistorical bridges, and their location provides them a connecting system to the gulf of Mexico and theGulf Intercoastal Waterway. The mean annualt emperature for the area is 65 degrees, with a mean yearly minimum of 37 degrees and mean maximumof 91 degrees. Normal rainfall is 49 inches annually. Columbus' concentration on a good lifestyle is well symbolized by the fountains that grace its public andprivate places. Its riverside personality has influenced its past. as it does today. Construction of a new riverwalk and modernization of existing stuctures down along theriver bank are impressive projects in Columbus. Special events are held annually in celebration of the pride Columbus has in the Chattahoochee, such as the Riverfest Weekend in April .Phenix City, just across the river from Columbus, is experiencing change and modernization, as well. New shopping centers, schools, restaurants ,residential areas, etc., are ongoing projects, enticing many Ft Benning people to build or buy homes in its very reasonable real estate and tax- structured vicinity. 8 There are excellent educational opportunites throughthe local public school systems, area private schools and secondary education at area vocational and technical schools, colleges and universities. The Fort Benning Military community is located in the eastern time zone.The area codes are as follows:Fort Benning, GA (706) Columbus, GA (706) Phenix City, Ala (334) Climate This area has a pleasant, temperate climate. The summers are warm and humid while winters are mild with little or no snow. The normal daily temperatures for summer are 89 degrees (high) and 68 degrees (low); for winter, 54 degrees (high) and 37 degrees (low). The average rainfall is 49 inches per year, most of which falls in the spring