ATL Standard

Governor Brian P. Kemp and the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA) Board of Directors have announced the approval of $16.9 million in Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank (GTIB) loans and grants to fund five transportation infrastructure projects across the state. This round of funding includes the fourth-largest loan amount allocated in the program’s history, all four of which have come under Governor Kemp’s administration.

“Our state's unprecedented economic growth is in part thanks to our reliable transportation infrastructure network that serves both hardworking Georgians and the job creators that employ them," said Governor Kemp. "In order to continue attracting talent and opportunity and maintain our status as the number one state to do business, we must responsibly fund our infrastructure needs. Thanks to this investment, even more communities will see improvements with a generational impact."

Approved funding includes $6.6 million awarded to Peach County, comprising a $5.6 million loan and a $1 million grant—the largest in GTIB’s history. The funds will expedite the paving of Lilly Creek Road, providing access to over 1,000 acres of developable land.

Peach County Administrator April Hodges noted persistent challenges in ensuring the safety of Lily Creek Road due to its unpaved condition. Chairman Martin H. Moseley Jr. of the Peach County Board of Commissioners stated that receiving GTIB funding would save the county two years and additional costs.

“We are appreciative of the commitment of SRTA and its Board of Directors, led by Governor Kemp, to prioritize the transportation improvement needs of small communities such as ours,” said Chairman Moseley.

The City of Watkinsville is receiving funding for its Simonton Bridge Road Pedestrian Improvements project. The cost exceeds Watkinsville's $3 million annual operating budget but is expected to be completed in less time and at approximately half the cost with GTIB funds.

“For decades, residents along busy Simonton Bridge Road have requested a pedestrian connection to downtown Watkinsville,” said Mayor Brian Brodrick.

Since its inception in 2010, GTIB has awarded $216 million in grants and loans for projects with a combined value exceeding $1.1 billion.

“We are excited that the investment we have made into transportation projects around this state will continue to grow,” said SRTA Executive Director Jannine Miller. “Thanks to members of the Georgia General Assembly, starting in Fiscal Year 2025, GTIB’s annual funding allocation from the state legislature will increase from $13 million to $15.4 million.”

GTIB provides strategic investments in critical transportation projects that enhance mobility across Georgia communities. Applications are evaluated on criteria including transportation/engineering merit, economic merit, matching funds, project phase, feasibility, creditworthiness for loans, and overall project merits.

The Fiscal Year 2024 awardees include:

**Peach County**

- **Lilly Creek Road Project:** Paving Lilly Creek Road from SR 49 to Brock Rd/Fullwood Road.

- **GTIB Loan Award:** $5,600,000

- **GTIB Grant Award:** $1,000,000

**City of Watkinsville**

- **Simonton Bridge Road Pedestrian Improvements:** Constructing a pathway along Simonton Bridge Road.

- **GTIB Loan Award:** $2,225,000

- **GTIB Grant Award:** $1,530,405

**City of Locust Grove**

- **Peeksville Connector:** Constructing a new road connecting Peeksville Road at SR 42.

- **GTIB Loan Award:** $2,000,000

- **GTIB Grant Award:** $2,000,000

**City of Sandy Springs**

- **Boylston Drive between Hilderbrand and Hammond Drive:** Realigning an intersection and installing new sidewalks.

- **GTIB Loan Award:** $850,000

- **GTIB Grant Award:** $650,000

**Upper Westside CID**

- **Chattahoochee Avenue Improvements Phase I:** Converting a turn lane at Howell Mill/Chattahoochee Avenue intersection.

- **GTIB Loan Award:** $1,000

For more information about the GTIB program visit www.srta.ga.gov/gtib.