Henry County will soon have a new bus route serving McDonough and Stockbridge following acceptance of federal funds during the January 4 meeting. Henry County applied for the funding in fall 2021.
In addition, the county will be receiving funds for two road projects. Specifically, the county will receive design funds for state route 81 and Mill Road.
New Bus Route Funds
The new bus route will connect downtown McDonough with the Stockbridge Park & Ride Lot. The route covers portions of highway 155, Jonesboro Road, Oak Grove Road, Jodeco Road, Patrick Henry Parkway, Rock Quarry Road and North Henry Blvd. Notable locations along the route include Piedmont Henry Hospital, McDonough & Stockbridge City Halls and Henry County offices.
Henry County is receiving three years of federal funds to launch the new bus service. This includes a total of $4.8 million, split evenly between 2023–2025. To receive the funds, Henry County is providing a 20% local match. The county’s match equates to $400,000 annually. After 2025, Henry County will be responsible for the operating cost.
Road Projects
Secondly, the county will be receiving funds for two road projects. They are as follows:
- State Route 81 widening, phase II, between Bethany Road and Keys Ferry Road — $1.6 million in fiscal year 2024 for design, and
- Mill Road widening, phase II, between Peachtree Peddlers Flea Market and SR 81 — $600,000 in FY 2023 for scoping.
Both projects also require a 20% local match. SPLOST V has funds set aside for the state route 81 project.
Projects Not Selected
In fall 2021, Henry County submitted four other projects for consideration to receive funds. The projects included the following:
- East Atlanta Road resurfacing
- Kelleytown Road resurfacing
- Jodeco Road widening, design phase
- Patrick Henry Parkway widening, design phase
The four projects above were not selected for funding. The next opportunity to apply for federal funds could occur in late 2023 or early next year.
Featured image shows new bus route between McDonough and Stockbridge. Henry County photo.
Be the first to comment