MPO Transportation Plan Amendment Proposed
The Southern Georgia Regional Commission is seeking public comments on a proposed amendment to the 2040 Transportation Vision Plan and FY15-18 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for the Valdosta-Lowndes County Metropolitan Planning Organization (VLMPO). The Plan outlines the vision for transportation investment in Valdosta, Lowndes County and surrounding areas for the next 25 years the amendment is available for public comment from February 12, 2016 through February 29, 2016.
The 2040 Transportation Vision Plan is a federally required document for metropolitan areas that outlines how federal funds will be spent on transportation projects in this region. The Plan is the follow-up to an intensive public input and planning phase that started in 2013 with the development of the Common Community Vision (CCV) for Greater Lowndes County. More than 800 statements from the public and existing plans were compiled to create the CCV which outlines how organizations in Valdosta and Lowndes County can achieve a resilient community that fosters economic success for the region through various elements including: workforce, education, economic development, healthcare, recreations, public safety, and transportation among others.
The proposed amendments include combing three separate projects to widen Jerry Jones Drive/Eager Road from Baytree Road to Oak Street. The proposed project will involve making this corridor a three-lane roadway with a center turn lane, curb and gutter and intersection improvements at Hillendale Road, Lake Drive and Country Club Road. This project is to be funded with state and local funds at a cost of over $18 million for all project phases. Other amendments in the Plan include adding a project scoping phase to a project to widen Lake Park Bellville Road, from I-75 to US 41 in Lake Park. This phase will help identify the corridor alignment and planning level analysis of a proposed widening project.
To view the entire document along with supporting documentation and reports visit www.sgrc.us and click on 'Transportation'. Comments will be accepted by email at chull@sgrc.us, by fax at 229-333-5312., or by sending them to SGRC/VLMPO, 327 W. Savannah Ave., Valdosta, GA 31601. Members of the public will be able to look at the proposed plan and projects at an open house to be held on February 23, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Southern Georgia Regional Commission
Once comments are received and reviewed the VLMPO Policy Committee will consider the amendment to the 2040 Transportation Vision Plan and TIP at their March 2, 2016 meeting. All meetings of the VLMPO are open to the public. For more information about 2040 Transportation Vision Plan or other transportation planning initiatives in the region please contact Corey Hull at 229-333-5277.
Greater Lowndes County Common Community Vision & 2040 Transportation Vision Plan