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Walton County authorizes MOU with Monroe, hires lobbyists to pursue North Loop funding
Summary
Walton County commissioners authorized the county attorney to draft a memorandum of understanding with the City of Monroe and approved hiring lobbyists (Holland & Knight) to pursue state funding for the proposed North Loop bypass; the board discussed potential local matching funds and public outreach.
Walton County commissioners on Tuesday authorized county staff to negotiate a memorandum of understanding with the City of Monroe and to retain lobbyists to pursue state funding for the proposed North Loop around Monroe. The motion to direct the county attorney to prepare the MOU passed with one dissenting vote from Commissioner Lee Bradford.
County Manager John Ward told the board the project’s first half is complete and county and city leaders want to avoid concentrating new traffic on Highway 11 near a Publix and nearby schools. Commissioners discussed offering local “skin in the game” — figures floated during the meeting included roughly $5 million each from the county and the city as a local match to leverage an estimated $64 million in state funding. Ward said prior lobbying yielded a $46.2 million grant for the county’s water plant and he recommended hiring the same team to pursue this project.
The board later approved an engagement letter with Holland & Knight to represent Walton County and the City of Monroe before the legislature at $8,500 per month (split between the two governments). The Holland & Knight contract was approved subject to county attorney review and the City of Monroe’s reciprocal approval; that motion carried with one opposition (Commissioner Lee Bradford).
Commissioners and staff said public involvement on route specifics would occur after the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) formally commits to the project and advances preliminary plans. “They will take public comment at that time,” Ward said, adding that earlier design work exists but that project progress depends on funding. Commissioners also discussed timing tied to the legislative session beginning shortly after Jan. 1.
Next steps: county attorney will work with Monroe’s city attorney to draft the MOU outlining responsibilities and potential split of lobbyist fees; Holland & Knight’s engagement will begin only after legal review and Monroe’s approval.
