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Resolution to adopt Vision Zero-style goal stalls after split comments; no vote taken
Summary
Under old business March 17 staff presented a Safe Streets for All grant and a draft resolution setting a goal of reducing traffic-related deaths and serious injuries to zero by 2040. Commissioners debated grant workload and federal requirements; no motion was made and the item died for lack of a motion.
Staff returned under old business on March 17 to update the board on a Safe Streets for All grant and to present a draft resolution that would commit the county to a goal of reducing traffic-related deaths and serious injuries to zero by 2040.
Transportation staff member presented the grant background and the proposed goals: a 50% reduction in the fatal and serious-injury crash rate per capita on county-owned and -maintained roads by 2030 (compared with 2023) and a goal of zero deaths and serious injuries on county roads by 2040. The grant-funded work included stakeholder and public input, a safety action plan draft due in June 2025 and a final plan by August 2025; staff said adopting the resolution was part of the grant requirements.
Several commissioners expressed reservations about the time staff must commit to the planning work and about downstream obligations if the county later seeks construction funding. One commissioner said federal construction grants typically bring significant requirements. Another commissioner questioned the geographic scope and whether county resources were the right way to address intersections the county cannot change. Supporters noted the study could make the county more competitive for future construction grants and could free SPLOST funding if an infrastructure grant paid for construction.
After extended discussion no board member moved to adopt the resolution; the item therefore died for lack of a motion. Staff said the safety action plan remains due to the grantor and that the work will continue, including stakeholder meetings and a draft plan to be returned to the board later in the year.
