Dawson County staff presented design and bid results for the Georgia 400 right-of-way beautification project on Aug. 21 and asked the Board of Commissioners to accept bids and authorize contract awards funded by hotel‑motel taxes.

Joy LeVert, county manager, described the project location on Ga. Highway 400 northbound near Dawson Parche Road, in front of North Georgia Premium Outlets and Wild Wings Cafe across from LongHorn Steakhouse. She said the project sits entirely in the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) right-of-way, addresses erosion on a red‑dirt hill, and consists of select landscaping plantings and a new curved gateway sign intended to promote tourism, economic development and a "clear signal of Dawson County's pride," LeVert said. She noted the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce provided a letter of support and that North Georgia Premium Outlets tentatively agreed to contribute toward utility costs for lighting.

Melissa Hawk (presenting the bid details) summarized the procurement. Staff received three proposals and separated the work into tasks. The recommended awards in the presentation were: Lane Signs for Task 1 (sign fabrication/installation) at $211,850, and Mariani Enterprises, doing business as Ed Castro Landscape, for Task 2 (landscaping) at $231,009.07, for a combined total of about $442,859.07. LeVert said the project would be "100% funded by hotel and motel taxes," which, she noted, are restricted by state law to tourism and beautification uses and paid primarily by visitors.

Staff told commissioners the contractor will warranty plantings for one year; afterward Dawson County Public Works will assume maintenance with an anticipated one to two visits per year at an estimated continuing maintenance cost of about $1,500 annually. County agricultural extension agent Clark McAllister with the University of Georgia offered pro bono consulting to assist with plant selection and planting oversight.

Commissioners discussed the project's cost and funding source. One commissioner said that had the project been funded from the general fund he would oppose it, but that because hotel‑motel tax proceeds (primarily from visitors) are the funding source and because the mall helps generate sales tax revenue, a beautification investment has a return-on-investment rationale. Commissioners confirmed GDOT has approved plans and issued an agreement to work within the right-of-way; the final permit for construction will be approved before work begins.

At the work session staff asked the board to accept the bids and authorize awarding contracts and use of hotel‑motel funds; commissioners did not take a formal vote during the work session and staff recommended the item be brought forward for formal action in a subsequent meeting.