County Seeking Grant to Widen Mill Road & Willow Lane

Henry County is seeking the state’s assistance to jumpstart work to widen Mill Road and Willow Lane. The county will be applying for a Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank (GTIB) grant for design costs on both widening projects.

The county approved its grant application during the January 17 board meeting. Henry County will learn later this year whether it will receive the grant.

GTIB Grant

The Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank (GTIB) is a grant and low-interest loan program. The State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA) administers the program. State lawmakers created the program in 2008. Since inception, GTIB has provided over $182 million in grants and loans to transportation projects throughout Georgia.

The 2023 application window represents the 10th round of funding. Applications will close on January 20, 2023. When considering applications, the state reviews each project based on the following:

• Transportation Merit: Projects that advance a clear transportation need, produce a strong public benefit, and improve mobility, congestion, connectivity, system efficiency and / or safety. 
• Project Specifics: Projects with a higher degree of non-state matching funds and projects that are close to and / or at the construction phase of the project.
• Economic Merit: Projects which provide direct economic benefits to the local community, region and / or state. This may include a reduction in unemployment, attraction of new business to the state, growth in private-sector employment, and / or improved access to jobs.

Credit to SRTA for the above list.

SRTA expects to finalize award recipients by either May or June 2023. Henry County has not previously received the grant to MHF News’ knowledge.

Henry County Application

The county will be submitting three projects for grant consideration. They include design work for two widening projects, as well as one resurfacing project. For each project, Henry County is asking for 80% match funds. The county would then fund 20% of the costs.

The county’s application includes the following:

If either widening project receives the grant, then general fund dollars would cover the county’s share. Transportation SPLOST dollars would cost-share the East Atlanta Road resurfacing.

Late last year, Henry County received notice the Mill Road project would receive federal help. The Atlanta Regional Commission selected the project to receive $600 thousand in scoping funds. Scoping represents the initial work towards a project’s design. The funds are in the present fiscal year (2023).

The Transportation SPLOST program is paying for the first phase to widen Mill Road. Phase I extends between Jonesboro Road and the Flea Market.

Featured image shows map of Mill Road and Willow Lane. Google MyMaps photo.