Sunday

07-13-2025 Vol 2020

Georgia Announces Record Investment in Transportation Infrastructure

Governor Brian P. Kemp and the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA) Board of Directors have unveiled a groundbreaking $26.5 million in loans and grants from the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank (GTIB), marking a significant milestone for transportation projects across Georgia.

This latest round of funding, made possible by a $46 million budget enhancement in the AFY 2025 state budget, will support 13 crucial transportation infrastructure initiatives statewide.

Governor Kemp emphasized the importance of these investments, stating, “Thanks to conservative budgeting and strategic funding of our priorities, Georgia is not only the No. 1 state for business; we’re also the best state for reliable infrastructure.” He further highlighted the historic focus on rural investment, which totals $13.3 million, aimed at enhancing opportunities across all regions of the state.

Among the projects receiving funding is the Mount Vernon Roadway Connectivity project, which will be allocated a $1.4 million GTIB grant. This funding will be used for crucial repairs to roads damaged by Hurricane Helene as well as paving a dirt road. The grant facilitates expedited roadwork, significantly improving safety in the rural community.

The largest single investment in this funding round is a $4.9 million loan to the Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID) for the Cumberland Sweep Segment C buildout. This project will establish a 3+ mile path around the Cumberland District, enhancing transportation options for approximately 80,000 office workers, residents, and visitors. The construction will include a shared-use path connecting to an existing pedestrian bridge over I-285, along with traffic signal upgrades at Galleria Drive and Galleria Parkway.

Additionally, Barrow County received a significant award consisting of a $2.4 million loan and a $1 million grant to fund a new roundabout at State Route 53 (SR 53) and Mulberry Road. This roundabout is intended to improve traffic safety and freight movement between the cities of Winder, Hoschton, and Braselton, which together have a population exceeding 40,000. This GTIB investment is also set to accelerate project delivery by three years, ultimately resulting in lower overall costs.

Jannine Miller, Executive Director of SRTA, expressed excitement regarding the funding announcement: “SRTA is honored and excited to continue investing in Georgia’s transportation network, this year by infusing more state funds than ever into local projects.” She observed that rural areas constituted 38% of this year’s GTIB applications, underscoring the transportation needs that exist throughout the state.

Miller added, “With the support of Governor Kemp and the General Assembly, GTIB is helping local governments accelerate project delivery and lower long-term costs for Georgia taxpayers.”

Since its establishment in 2010, the GTIB has allocated a total of $242 million in grants and loans, fueling projects valued at over $1.2 billion. This illustrates the profound impact of the state’s investment and the productive partnerships formed with local governments and community improvement districts.

Applications for GTIB funding undergo a competitive evaluation process that takes into account transportation needs, engineering viability, economic benefits, and matching funds, among other criteria. Loan applications are also reviewed for creditworthiness and overall project merits by an advisory committee of representatives from various state agencies and associations. Ultimately, recommendations are made to the SRTA Board for final approval, ensuring that funds distributed support essential capital improvements.

As Georgia continues to prioritize its transportation infrastructure, the recent record investments signal a firm commitment to enhancing mobility and fostering growth in communities throughout the state.

image source from:americustimesrecorder

Benjamin Clarke