(Media release from the Georgia Department of Transportation):
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) on Thursday provided details on forthcoming transportation programs and projects receiving funding as a result of a $1.5 billion investment from Gov. Brian P. Kemp’s amended FY 24 budget recommendation, recently approved by the Georgia General Assembly.
Georgia continues to benefit from unprecedented economic growth paired with conservative state fiscal management. Increases in population and commercial activity are putting more traffic on our roadways than ever before. The additional funding will enable GDOT and local governments to invest in the state’s transportation infrastructure, helping keep up with higher construction costs in the face of historic inflation and expediting strategic projects across the state.
During the 2024 Legislative Session, Gov. Kemp recommended and the Georgia General Assembly appropriated state general funds for $1.5 billion of the budget surplus to support improving the state’s transportation infrastructure by advancing timing for key planned transportation projects and begin new strategic projects. Funding was appropriated to the programs below and will be allocated by GDOT as noted.
- Airport Aid ($98 million) – advancing improvements at many general aviation airports (does not include Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport); 372% increase.
- Local Roads Funding ($250 million) – a 117% increase in State funding for every city and county for local transportation investments.
- Capital Construction ($593 million) – increased GDOT’s capital construction program by 58% for managing cost increases due to inflation and expediting projects in GDOT’s existing pipeline of projects; 24 projects advanced by a total of 43 years.
- Capital Maintenance ($50 million) – increasing GDOT’s capital maintenance budget by 32% to resurface state highways around the state; and
- Freight Program ($500 million) – a new program that includes 18 projects devoted to freight-carrying infrastructure which will begin to improve efficiency, safety and reliability for the transportation of goods across Georgia.
“Over the last few years, we’ve welcomed unprecedented job creation to all regions of the Peach State, and this funding will ensure our already reliable infrastructure network can meet the needs of that incredible growth,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “I want to thank the Lt. Governor, Speaker of the House, and members of the General Assembly for their support of this generational investment as we work together to keep Georgia the best state for opportunity. In the months and years ahead, hardworking Georgians will see further improvements to the roads and bridges they drive each day.”
Because growth impacts every corner of Georgia, an initial portion of these funds will be used to move the needle on 42 critical Freight and Capital Construction projects.
Of those, 19 are new projects focused on added roadway capacity, new access to Interstate highways, and the kickstart of a new generation of ideas to improve Georgia’s transportation network at critical growth locations.
Approximately 80% of the Freight and Capital Construction funds will go directly to construction, for projects that can now be advanced to completion and delivery; other major projects recently identified from plans will be begin preliminary work, readying them for future phases when funding for those phases is identified. In total, this funding will accelerate projects by more than 40 years.
“As a result of continued population and economic growth that makes Georgia a more prosperous state for our citizens, Georgians experience firsthand the impact of added demand on our roadways and transportation system on a daily basis,” said Georgia State Transportation Board Chair Robert Brown. “With this monumental investment in state transportation infrastructure and the ongoing support of Gov. Kemp and the Georgia State Legislature, we are now equipped to execute on this group of projects that will provide new safety and economic benefits for Georgians across the state.”
From the $1.5 billion in additional funding, the newly established Georgia Freight Program will receive a down payment of $500 million toward improving efficiency, safety, and reliability for the transportation of goods across Georgia necessary for continued growth and development of the Peach State for years to come. A recent GDOT report – the Georgia Freight Planning Analysis – found that freight movement will nearly double across the state in the coming 25 years, increasing traffic congestion and imposing higher costs on products that Georgians depend on. Strategic transportation investment can mitigate the impacts of that additional freight movement, with projects that can be found in the Georgia Statewide Freight Plan, the Coastal Empire Study, and other plans developed by the Department.
“As Georgia continues to add new industries and businesses, and an influx of people that now call Georgia home, the state’s approach to transportation must strive to meet the evolving needs both today and, in the future,” said GDOT Commissioner Russell R. McMurry, P.E. “We’re grateful for the forward-thinking of Gov. Kemp and the Georgia Legislature as we work to maintain and grow our transportation network, promote further economic growth, prioritize freight movement in and around the state, and provide safe travel for all users.”
For more information on GDOT’s statewide project advancement efforts and the new Georgia Freight Program.
