Newman City confirms $196,000 local match to secure engineering funds for Newnan Link segments to Piedmont Hospital

The Newman City Council voted Oct. 28 to confirm a local funding commitment of $196,000 to secure a Georgia Department of Transportation engineering grant for Newnan Link segments 5 through 7, which staff said will connect the back of the Walmart area on Newnan Crossing Boulevard East to Piedmont Hospital.

City staff described the project as roughly three miles of trail that will connect to existing facilities and provide pedestrian and recreational access for adjacent neighborhoods and commercial properties. Staff reported a federal share of $785,000 and a total engineering grant of $981,000 for the segments under consideration.

Council members asked about other Link segments. Staff said Link section 13 is in design (about 40–50% complete) and that section 12 had not entered design; officials said they expect further council direction before spending additional design dollars and said section 13 remains on schedule for construction next summer after school is out. One councilmember said the section to Piedmont Hospital would be particularly impactful for families visiting the hospital.

The council approved confirmation of the local match and funding commitment by voice vote. The meeting record does not contain a roll-call tally.