County pursues GDOT LMIG funds, supports GDOT roundabout and advances I‑75 interchange feasibility study

Paulding County staff asked commissioners to approve several transportation steps: submit a Local Maintenance & Improvement Grant (LMIG) application to the Georgia Department of Transportation for $2,554,386.83 (with a required 30% county match of $766,316.05), to sign a letter supporting a GDOT‑managed single‑lane roundabout at State Route 6 Business/Macklin Road/Butler Industrial Drive, and to adopt a joint resolution with Bartow County to begin conceptual engineering for a new I‑75 interchange north of 3rd Army Road.

"Paulding County, based on the current formula, will receive $2,554,386.83 in funding," Mr. Jones told the board and reminded commissioners that the county must return the GDOT application by Feb. 1, 2026, or risk losing the funds. He said the project list initially includes roughly 8.6 miles of Bakersbridge Road and East Paulding Drive but that the list is not binding: "We're simply, trying to encumber the funding. We can omit or change roads if needed."

On the roundabout proposal, Jones said GDOT will fund and manage design and construction but asked the county to commit to energizing and maintaining street lighting and landscaping associated with the roundabout if constructed. The roundabout sits partly within the city of Dallas limits and County staff said the city supports the project.

The joint resolution to work with Bartow County on an additional I‑75 interchange was presented as a forward‑looking step to address projected growth. Jones said the planning and federal approvals entail an extended schedule: "You're talking, you know, a decade plus," and that Paulding will lead the conceptual engineering and begin issuing requests for proposals if the board signs the resolution.

The right‑of‑way phase for the Cedar Crest Road widening was also discussed: staff requested authority to acquire three parcels priced at $60,000, $99,000 and $115,000 with funding from SPLOST and anticipated FHWA reimbursement of up to $5,000,000; GDOT is managing project oversight with a May 2027 let date currently on schedule if construction funding is secured.

The transcript records presentations and questions but does not show final roll-call votes on these transportation items during the public portion of the meeting.