Changes that will allow Peachtree City to spend up to $500,000 in sales tax funds on traffic studies and other new road improvements were approved by the Fayette County Commission Thursday night.
Prior to this change, the project list for the proposed Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax covered street paving, repair and maintenance of existing cart paths, new cart paths, eight bridge and tunnel projects other bridge and tunnel maintenance. That left no room for smaller construction improvements.
If the proposed Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax is approved in November by voters countywide, the city would receive a projected $14.5 million over the two-year life of the levy.
The $500,000 pot would allow some funds to be earmarked for a potential corridor study that would evaluate potential additions to help traffic flow on Ga. Highway 54 West, where westbound traffic often backs up to Willowbend Road in front of City Hall during afternoon drive time.
DOT officials said Thursday that such a study is necessary to analyze the potential traffic improvements, and that it could also take into account sections of Ga. Highway 74 as well.
The $500,000 set-aside could also be used for a potential traffic calming project at Peachtree Parkway and Loring Lane.
The City Council voted 3-1 last week to carve out the $500,000 add-on, with Mayor Don Haddix casting the lone vote in dissent. Haddix contended the city should spend the money instead on necessary street maintenance, which has $20 million of repairs needed.
