Now that the

Atlanta Regional Commission is placing a priority on alternative transportation,

Peachtree City officials hope it increases the chances that the state

will kick in major funds for significant improvements to the cart path

system.

The city is

seeking $600,000 in funds from the state to build a cart path bridge across

Ga. Highway 54 to link the Wynnmeade subdivision and MacDuff Parkway area

to the Line Creek Nature Area on the opposite side of the highway.

The project

would be funded with federal transportation money although the city would

be responsible for 20 percent of the costs, said City Planner David Rast.

"We envision

the ultimate design and appearance of the bridge to act as a 'gateway'

feature into Peachtree City and the Georgia 54 West corridor," Rast

explained.

The concept

was endorsed earlier this year by the committee of citizens and developers

who helped the city develop an alternate transportation plan for the area.

That plan has been submitted to the ARC as part of a program designed

to help fund alternative transportation efforts.

Hopes are that

funds for the bridge can be secured for the 2004 state Transportation

Improvement Program, Rast said.

The city is

also seeking funds from the TIP to enhance the area of Hwy. 54 west of

the intersection with Hwy. 74. The improvements would include landscaping

in the median and right of way of the highway once it is widened.

Specialty lighting

and other improvements may also be used if approved to enhance the corridor's

appearance, Rast added.