The third

phase of the Ga. Highway 54 east landscape enhancement

project will be funded through the state's Transportation

Enhancement Activity program, the DOT announced last

week.

Also

approved via the same program was money for the planned

multi-use bridge over Flat Creek, which will connect the

existing 80-mile cart path network to the city's

industrial park and sports complexes.

"This

is a great project, and definitely deserves TEA

funding," said state DOT Commissioner Wayne

Shackelford of the bridge. "It will create a great

venue for those residents that choose to use alternate

modes of transportation."

The first

two phases of the highway project have already been

implemented. The third phase extends from Lake Peachtree

to Peachtree Parkway, using landscaping enhancements to

blend with surrounding natural vegetation and provide a

corridor enhancement.

"Aesthetically

pleasing transportation projects such as this one not

only benefit the citizens of the county, but also benefit

visitors," said Shackelford.

Up to 80

percent of the funds for each project have been provided

government funding the rest. Half of the money will be

distributed Oct. 1 of this year, with the remainder

coming one year later.

This year

the Georgia Dot received 210 eligible applications

representing combined requests of more than $120 million

in federal funds from all 11 congressional districts.

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