County approves TIA-funded road engineering contract and agrees to pay street-lighting bills for roundabout and intersection

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners authorized the chairman to sign a contract with Cranston Engineering (Augusta) to provide preliminary engineering and construction services for two Transportation Investment Act (TIA) projects: Goldman Johnson Road and McGill Road. Staff said Cranston scored highest on the RFQ process and GDOT has approved the submitted budget for the work.

During discussion, the chairman explained these projects convert dirt roads to paved roads and are funded primarily through the TIA program. The board approved the contract on motion and voice vote.

Separately, the commission voted to commit to paying monthly street-lighting utility bills for the roundabout at Clark's Crossing (intersection of routes 47 and 220) and to include the Ashmore/Barton Road intersection in that commitment. Staff estimated the monthly power cost for lighting at roughly $100 per location (about $1,200 per year) and said the underlying construction costs are funded by the Georgia Department of Transportation; the county—ommitment covers ongoing monthly electric service only.

A commissioner asked whether the county would pay equipment or construction costs; staff clarified the county would pay the monthly electric bill and that the power company would place poles/lights as part of the utility installation. The motions to approve the Cranston contract and the lighting commitments passed by voice vote.

Ending

Staff will finalize the contract for signature and work with GDOT and the utility provider on the installation and billing arrangements.