Finding dollars for projects a challenge for GDOT

GAINESVILLE - When Georgia's new commissioner of transportation took the podium at the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce's 2015 Annual Transportation Forum, he had a long list of numbers to share with his audience; one of the largest numbers was the amount of money the state needs to improve and maintain Georgia's massive transportation system.

Commissioner Russell McMurry, who just took over the head position at GDOT in January, told the lunchtime audience at the University of North Georgia-Gainesville that while Georgia boasts the 10th largest transportation system in the nation, it ranks 49th in per capita spending on transportation construction, maintenance and improvements.

"That's okay because we want to do things very effectively and efficiently," said McMurry.

Still, McMurry acknowledged that lack of funding has hampered transportation advancements in Georgia. Bridges are being used past their prime and road widening projects are being delayed, and with federal transportation dollars drying up in just 80 days, he said he is concerned about where the dollars will come from if Congress doesn't act.

"The question is when," said McMurry. "It [federal transportation funding] expires in May, the end of May. Why that's important to us is because of these two numbers - 55 and 45. Fifty-five percent of Georgia's DOT budget is federal, so that's a big concern."

He said while that federal deadline looms, he is watching the progress of HB 170 - the State Transportation Funding Bill - as it moves through the Georgia General Assembly. The measure, which very basically replaces the state's gasoline tax with an excise tax, is expected to generate around $800 million per year strictly for transportation spending. The measure is currently under review in the State Senate.

McMurry told the audience he understands the measure may be unpopular with some Georgians, since it will lead to higher gas prices, but he encouraged opponents to think of paying for transportation in the same way they consider paying for utilities.

"Most people's cell phone bill is more than they pay for transportation in a year if they drive, say, somewhere around 12,000 miles a year," said McMurry. "A data plan usually costs you more."

In addition to discussing funding, McMurry also emphasized the challenges of safety on Georgia's highways. He said so far this year, 219 people have died as a result of traffic accidents on state roadways.

GDOT currently working on just two major projects in Hall Co.

Also speaking at the Thursday forum, District 1 Engineer Brent Cook discussed two major projects underway in Hall County.

Cook said the widening of SR 347 (Friendship Road) from I-985 east to SR 211 on the south end of the county was proceeding on schedule. The 7.97-mile project represents a $218 million investment. Cook said that project is slated for completion by January 31, 2016.

In addition, the new SR 284 bridge (Clarks Bridge) is on target to be finished by December 31, 2015, according to Cook. He said the last section of the new bridge deck was poured March 6. (See photo to right.)

About a dozen Hall County projects are in what Cook referred to as the pre-construction, or preliminary engineering, stage; most of those are on hold pending funding.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2015/3/286243