According to a statement made by Kemp, our state’s remarkable economic growth is largely attributed to the dependable transportation infrastructure network that benefits both the diligent citizens of Georgia and the employers that hire them. To maintain our standing as the top business state and continue attracting skilled professionals and opportunities, it is imperative that we responsibly fund our infrastructure requirements. This investment will ensure that numerous communities receive upgrades that will have a lasting, positive impact.
Officials have announced that Peach County is set to receive $6.6 million in funding, which will be divided into a $5.6 million loan and a $1 million grant. This is considered the largest award in the history of GTIB, and it showcases the organization’s ongoing efforts to prioritize investment in rural areas of the state. The allocated funds will be used for the Lilly Creek Road project, which aims to repave dirt roads and enhance accessibility to over 1,000 acres of developable land.
The Simonton Bridge Road Pedestrian Improvements project in the City of Watkinsville is receiving a whopping $3.75 million from the state. This amount is stated to be more than the city’s entire annual budget.
Watkinsville Mayor Brian Brodrick expressed gratitude as he acknowledged the long-standing requests of residents for a pedestrian connection to downtown Watkinsville through busy Simonton Bridge Road. However, the challenging terrain, limited right of way, and small budget made it almost impossible for Watkinsville to fulfill the request without outside support. Thanks to the funding from GTIB, the town can speed up their plans and connect a new 100-acre park to downtown. Governor Kemp and SRTA’s support are highly appreciated by the town.
The metro Atlanta area is set to receive three additional awards, which will be located in Locust Grove, Sandy Springs, and the Upper Westside of Atlanta.
As per the statement released by the governor’s office, Locust Grove has been approved for a $2 million loan and a $2 million grant. The funds will be utilized for the development of a fresh two-lane roadway that will connect Peeksville Road to Frances Ward Drive, where it intersects with SR 42.
A loan of $1 million is set to be awarded in the Upper Westside CID to finance the conversion of a westbound turn lane stretching a mile at Howell Mill and Chattahoochee Avenue. The funds will be utilized to construct a multiuse path and streamline the operations of the signal.
Jannine Miller, Executive Director of SRTA, expressed her excitement about the continued growth of transportation projects in Georgia. This year, $16.9 million was invested throughout the state, and an additional $52 million in funds was requested, mostly in the form of loans. Miller credited the Georgia General Assembly for their support in increasing GTIB’s annual funding allocation from $13 million to $15.4 million, starting in Fiscal Year 2025. This boost in funding will allow GTIB to assist even more local governments in speeding up project delivery and lowering transportation infrastructure expenses for Georgia taxpayers.
