Jun. 20, 2018 (Carrollton, Ga.) – The City of Carrollton was awarded a $1.5 million grant from the Georgia State Road and Tollway Authority for phase one of the Bankhead Highway streetscape project. The project includes pedestrian, roadway, and landscaping improvements along Bankhead Highway between Cedar Street and Thomas Newell Way.

“We were pleased to learn that we received funding from SRTA for phase one of the Bankhead Highway streetscape,” states Councilmember Met Lane. “This project is the product of a lot of hard work by community volunteers that serve on the Carrollton Corridor Development and Beautification Committee. When we met with Governor Deal, he stated that the state wants to help communities that want to help themselves. Our reinvestment in this corridor is a worthwhile endeavor for the entire community, and our ability to leverage our tax dollars with outside funding enables us to complete projects with less burden to the taxpayers.  While the changes in the road design introduce both pedestrian and bicycle users to the corridor, they will not affect the flow of people and goods dependent on motor vehicles.”

The Georgia State Road and Tollway Authority awarded the grant during their board meeting on Tuesday, Jun. 19, 2018. Carrollton was one of 19 communities to secure funding this year.  “SRTA is proud to partner with the City of Carrollton as they transform Bankhead Highway into a roadway that improves mobility for all users and better fits with their long-term vision for the corridor,” Chris Tomlinson, Executive Director of SRTA, said. “It is clear that the Bankhead Highway streetscape project is a high priority project that could help attract economic development. We look forward to our partnership with the City.”

Both Councilmembers Met Lane and Rory Wojcik served as representatives for Carrollton at the meeting. “This gracious grant from the state solidifies our plans to redevelop the main entrance corridor into our community,” comments Councilmember Rory Wojcik. “This stamp of approval from the state, coupled with significant funding, will allow the city to fast-track this project. It’s one of many to come that speaks to the progressive advancements that make our community altogether original. This project has been in the works for only two years – an outstanding timeframe to secure funding of a major infrastructure project.”

The Carrollton Corridor Development and Beautification Committee (CCDBC) was established in the Fall of 2016 and has been working over the previous 18 months to develop a plan to encourage and promote development and beautification on Bankhead Highway. An overlay district – the Lake Carroll Village Overlay – was approved by the Mayor and City Council in March 2018 and is intended to compliment the streetscape improvements by encouraging pedestrian scale site design on new development or redevelopment in the corridor. The Mayor and Council also approved a grant program to assist property owners with site improvements in May.