City to Use LMIG Funds for Road Repair in 2019

The City of Toccoa will use its incoming Local Maintenance Improvement Grant from the Georgia Department of Transportation to resurface and repair a list of roads in the City.

At their meeting Monday night the City Commission voted to use the 2019 LMIG plus funds left over from this year’s LMIG.

Toccoa will receive $159,039 in LMIG funds in 2019.

The City must match 30% of that, which brings the total 2019 LMIG funds available  to just over $206,751.

City Manager Billy Morse said the City would also combine the 2018 LMIG funds and  SPLOST and City General funds with that amount for whatever project the Commission voted on.

Three options on how to spend the LMIG monies were discussed by Commissioners Monday during their work session.

They inlude repairing or resurfacing roads, banking the money for a bigger project later, or putting in sidewalks along Rosedale St.

Residents on Rosedale off E. Tugalo are asking the City to put in sidewalks that would run from E. Tugalo to Prather Bridge Road.

However, GDOT estimates the cost of that project would be at least $900,000 and would likely exceed the two-year limit the City has to use the LMIG funds.

Additionally, the City would likely have to pay for obtaining the rights of way from property owners, which could take years.

“I think the more information he gives us, the more expensive the (Rosedale) project will be,” Commissioner Jeanette Jamieson told the Board. “I don’t think we need to delay development of the work list on the streets knowing what we’re going to be up against here. And in addition to that, we’re still way out on the right of way. Will they (property owners) give us the right of way or will we have to buy it?”

“I agree. We have to think of what is best for all of the citizens of Toccoa,” noted Mayor David Austin.

At the regular meeting Monday, the Board voted unanimously to use the LMIG monies for road repair and resurfacing next year.

Morse said Tuesday he will be working with the Commission to identify a list of streets that matches the funding available.