Fayette County to seek six ARC transportation grants, prioritizing SR 279 realignment

The Fayette County Board of Commissioners approved staff’s recommendation on Jan. 8 to submit six grant applications to the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for FY2027–28, seeking federal funding (approximately an 80/20 federal/local split) for multiple roadway and path projects.

Transportation Engineer Paola Kimball presented the recommended list, which includes a realignment of SR 279 and Corinth Road (identified by staff as the top priority), a Sandy Creek Road and Eastin Road roundabout, Kenwood Road Path, Sandy Creek Road Path, an SR 54 & Coweta‑Fayette Connectivity Study (total project cost noted as $700,000 in meeting materials), and a Redwine Road path gap closure scoping study. Rapson noted that a Hood Road project shown in the PowerPoint was included in error and would not be submitted.

Commissioners discussed the importance of timing and priority: Chairman Lee Hearn and Vice Chairman Edward Gibbons emphasized waiting for traffic patterns to settle after nearby SR 54/SR 74 work so studies reflect current conditions. Vice Chairman Gibbons amended a motion to submit six applications (rather than seven); the Board unanimously approved the amended motion, 5-0.

Why it matters: The ARC TIP is a competitive source of federal transportation funding; selected projects receive substantial federal assistance but require local matching funds. Staff said funding, if awarded, would be programmed for FY2027–28 and require a local match (generally 20 percent).

What’s next: County staff will finalize applications and rank project priorities for ARC. If projects are selected for funding, the Board will be asked to commit local match funds and approve subsequent project agreements.