Georgia DOT Commits to Funding Backlog of Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects
At the conclusion of National Bike Month, the Georgia Department of Transportation announced that it will complete a backlogged list of planned bicycle and pedestrian projects across the state. To do so, GDOT will transfer its apportionment of the new federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funding to the more flexible Surface Transportation Program (STP), which is also sourced from federal funds.
Larger urban areas, such as Atlanta, Augusta and Savannah, received a direct allotment of TAP money to assist with the design and construction of active transportation projects. The share of TAP that remained with the DOT, however, will be redirected into STP, which may also be used for bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.
“Based on the number of TAP-eligible projects currently programmed and in the development process,” says GDOT Chief Engineer Russell McMurry, “the Department will focus on delivering the backlog of existing projects, as all of these projects were selected through a competitive process.”
“Georgia Bikes applauds the DOT’s commitment to finishing these popular, healthy and sensible transportation and recreation options for the people of Georgia,” says Executive Director Brent Buice.
“GDOT partners with local governments, regional commissions, and MPOs to incorporate Complete Streets principles and standards into local transportation projects as well as GDOT projects regardless of fund source,” adds McMurry, “[and] GDOT is committed to providing safe, adequate and balanced accommodations for pedestrians, bicyclists and transit users, regardless of age or ability, wherever it is feasible to do so.”
GDOT Commits to Building Backlogged Bike-Ped ProjectsThe Transportation Alternatives Program was created under the latest federal transportation funding legislation, known as MAP-21, and replaces the Transportation Enhancements (TE) and Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs. Transportation Enhancements funds have helped fund major projects such as the Silver Comet Trail, the Rome-Floyd Heritage Trail System, Jekyll Island’s bike paths, and many others.