Primary federal standards for economic stimulus funds for roadway projects include being “shovel-ready” and having costs and construction start dates accurately represented in an approved plan (for metro areas this is the Transportation Improvement Program or TIP – for other parts of Georgia, this is the State Transportation Improvement Program or STIP). Additional considerations include status as an economically distressed area and others.
On April 2nd, the Georgia Department of Transportation submitted to Governor Perdue its first list of roadway projects that qualify for certification, and the second list of projects eligible for certification was submitted by GDOT on April 30th. To date, there are more than 100 eligible projects that total more than $374 million, and all have been certified by Governor Perdue. This is 95% of the funds that must be certified by June 30th and is approximately 40% of Georgia’s total federal stimulus funds for roadways. Economically distressed areas will be receiving more than half of the funds for projects certified to-date.
The certified projects include bridge repairs and upgrades, safety-related improvements, capacity additions, and maintenance on degrading road surfaces. Enhancement-type projects in the first two rounds of certifications have also been included in order to meet the federal requirements. More enhancement projects will be included in future certifications. GDOT’s typical rule to follow “Congressional balancing” was not considered because State Transportation Board waived that requirement.
Georgia has approximately $557 million of remaining federal economic stimulus funds for roadway improvements. The Governor’s office is working in collaboration with GDOT to ensure that the state is adhering to the required processes and deadlines. Additional certifications for roadways projects are forthcoming. View the current list of certifications signed by the Governor.
Governor’s Press Releases