Georgia DOT presents first freight and logistics implementation plan and FY24 annual report under HB 617

The Georgia Department of Transportation presented its first freight and logistics implementation plan (FLIP) and the FY24 freight annual report required by House Bill 617, saying the documents catalogue 20-year projects and summarize the previous fiscal year’s freight investments.

Matt Markham, deputy director of planning at the Georgia Department of Transportation, told the committee the FLIP implements statutory requirements added by HB 617 and draws heavily on the department’s 2023 state freight plan. “It is a very much a partnership, with the commissioner, and working hand, hand in hand together,” Markham said, describing the planning office’s role in setting strategic direction and measuring outcomes.

Markham said the department organized projects across three legislative economic zones: an International Ocean Trade Zone (counties within 20 miles of a deep-water port), an Inland Port Zone (counties within 10 miles of Georgia Ports Authority inland ports), and Commercial and Industrial Impact Zones (counties within 5 miles of warehouses larger than 200,000 square feet). The FLIP identified projects and programs by those zones and by categories HB 617 required — foundational (maintenance/state of good repair), catalytic (strategic expansions) and innovative (research and pilot investments).

Key figures presented to the committee…