Gwinnett County is seeking public input on transportation projects that could be funded by the sales tax renewal that will go before voters in a referendum on Nov. 8 of this year. Residents who are interested in participating on the Citizens Project Selection Committee are invited to attend an organizational meeting that will take place on Aug. 15 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the auditorium of the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, located at 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville.
“The purpose of the meeting is to select members and alternates to represent 11 major interest groups on the committee,” said Gwinnett Transportation Director Alan Chapman. Four members will represent homeowners (one from each commission district) and one representative each will represent business leaders, environmental stakeholders, schools, civic organizations/leaders, the freight and manufacturing industry, Gwinnett County’s seniors and young professionals.
Participants will split into groups and select representatives among themselves, according to Chapman. To be considered for selection, participants must be a Gwinnett County resident and provide photo documentation.
“The committee’s immediate role will be to review and prioritize prospective project categories and funding levels. In addition, members will help maintain an open line of communication between county government and the public and help maximize the benefits of the sales tax proceeds,” said Chapman.
Hundreds of letters are being sent this week, inviting residents to attend the meeting and help spread the word. The letters are just one part of the plan to receive input, according to Board Chairman Charlotte Nash. “We need representation from all segments of the County, so we’re sending emails, talking to the media and sharing information through all the County’s communications channels, including the website,” said Nash.
The Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday to issue a call for a special purpose local option sales tax referendum to be placed on the Nov. 8 ballot. This new program will address transportation needs, such as roads, bridges, intersection improvements and sidewalks. The SPLOST would also include funding for other purposes, such as parks and recreation, public safety, libraries, civic center expansion and senior facilities.
If passed, the new program will take effect when the current SPLOST expires on March 31, 2017. The new program would last six years and could raise an estimated $486 million for County transportation projects.
For more information about the upcoming meeting, visit www.gwinnettSPLOST.com or call the Gwinnett Department of Transportation at (770) 822-7400.
