Gwinnett Seeking Input on SPLOST Transportation Projects

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA — Gwinnett County is seeking public input on transportation projects that could be funded by a sales tax renewal that goes before voters on November 8.

Residents interested in participating on the Citizens Project Selection Committee are invited to attend an organizational meeting that will take place on August 15 from 6:30-9 p.m.

The meeting will be in the auditorium of the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, located at 75 Langley Dr. in Lawrenceville.

Gwinnett Commissioners Call For Sales Tax Vote

"The purpose of the meeting is to select members and alternates to represent 11 major interest groups on the committee," Gwinnett CountyTransportation Director Alan Chapman said in a news release.

Four members will represent homeowners (one from each commission district) and one representative each will represent business leaders, environmental stakeholders, schools, civic organizations and 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 Gwinnett County residents and provide photo documentation.

"The committee’s immediate role will be to review and prioritize prospective project categories and funding levels," Chapman said. "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."

Hundreds of letters are being sent this week, inviting residents to attend the meeting and help spread the word.

The Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday to call for a special purpose local option sales tax referendum to be placed on the Nov. 8 ballot.

This new program would 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 raise an estimated $486 million for county transportation projects.