Henry County government officials joined with city leaders from Locust Grove to meet June 28 in Atlanta at the Georgia Department of Transportation headquarters for the fulfillment of their combined $6 million commitment regarding the proposed new interchange on I-75 at Bethlehem Road.
Board of Commissioners Chair Carlotta Harrell presented a check from Henry County for $5 million to be used toward anticipated construction expenses. Locust Grove Mayor Robert Price followed up with a $1 million check from the city to offset preliminary engineering expenses.
“Today we’re seeing a wonderful example of what can happen when city, county and state governments come together in the spirit of partnership,” said GDOT commissioner Russell McMurry.
State engineers are now doing preparation work for the project, developing conceptual designs and studying potential environmental impacts. It is estimated that a total of $9 million will ultimately be needed for preliminary engineering costs along with more than $100 million for construction. Officials expect the construction contract to be bid in the 2024 fiscal year, and for the proposed interchange to tie into the future I-75 commercial vehicle lanes that will run through a portion of the county.
“When built, this interchange will be good not only for Henry County, but for the entire region,” said Harrell. “We appreciate Georgia DOT coming to Henry County, and collaborating and working with us on such an influential project.”
The Henry County funds were allocated from the county’s SPLOST IV revenues, which were approved by voters in 2013. The Locust Grove contribution came from the city’s general funds.
“We’ve been looking forward to this project for years and years,” said Price. “We haven’t left a stone unturned. The entire state needs to be ready for increased freight movement as we follow the improvements happening at the Port of Savannah and even the Panama Canal. Georgia is the best place to do business and Locust Grove is ready to be a part of it.”
McMurry was joined by three GDOT board members whose districts all cover a portion of Henry County: Russ Carreker, Jamie Boswell and Dana Lemon.
“One of the Georgia DOT’s biggest challenges involves collaborating positively with cities and counties,” said Lemon, who represents the 13th Congressional District. “Here, there’s been some hard work done, with leaders from all groups coming forward to make tough decisions that will serve their citizens.”
