Staff reports Firefly Trail Phase 3 nearly complete; MLK Greenway segment moves through GDOT process

Project staff reported progress on several active infrastructure projects. "The concrete work should be about 98% complete on segment one from Hancock to Moss," Todd said, noting that utility relocations remain the main delay and contractors anticipate finishing late April to early May. A final punch‑list walk was completed in late February and stream culvert replacement work continues in segment three.

Separately, staff updated the commission on the Greenway Trail MLK Parkway project (North Avenue to East Broad). The project completed a GDOT concept meeting and is on GDOT's let schedule for construction bidding in roughly 2030, with construction potentially complete around 2032 depending on funding and permitting. Staff explained the project was awarded preliminary engineering federal funding and that federal grant requirements (environmental reviews, NEPA and state match rules) lengthen design and delivery timelines.

Commissioners asked whether the Greenway project includes intersection crosswalk improvements and sidewalk widening at the tie‑in points; staff agreed to check design plans and coordinate with project designers to ensure the trail meets connection expectations. Members also discussed tradeoffs when obtaining outside grant funds: federal money can reduce local capital burden but typically imposes additional design and environmental requirements that can increase time and overall cost.