Co-Op discusses plan for four-lane hwy. to Thomson

State and local leaders met Thursday, March 20, at The Lincoln Center to discuss what steps need to be taken to convert Highway 43, between Lincolnton and I-20 in Thomson, into a four-lane road.

The meeting was held in conjunction with the Communities of Opportunity (Co-Op) Initiative, designed to challenge Georgia's rural areas to engage in a comprehensive and collaborative approach to community development. In essence, Co-Op will address the lagging economic vitality of rural Georgia through community self-assessment, targeted technical assistance, and incentives so that both families and businesses may prosper.

The pilot program targets 10 communities in Region 7, which includes Lincoln County, and one in Region 5 (Elberton). It is being sponsored by the Georgia Rural Development Council, UGA's Fanning Institute, and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA).

During a series of townhall meetings, residents and local officials determined that the component most needed for economic growth in Lincoln County is the construction of a four-lane highway from Lincolnton to Thomson.

The purpose of last Thursday's meeting was to discuss a strategic plan geared toward turning that dream into a reality.

"The energy level was high, and the meeting went very well," stated Tina Hutcheson, the DCA representative for Region 7. "The group as a whole picked out some 'do-able' action items to pursue in accomplishing this goal. Once the plan is approved by the RDC, it's just a matter of getting to work on these items."

Among the action items are educating the public as to the benefits of such a project and conducting a survey on potential industries that may have rejected Lincoln County due to the lack of easy access to I-20.

The benefits of the four-lane include:

.. More industry. .. A larger industrial park. .. More retail sales. .. An improved economy.

.. An increased retired population.

.. More houses built in up-scale neighborhoods.

.. More developments/subdivisions. .. More owner-occupied land.

.. An increase in the tax digest.

.. A decrease in the number of people working outside the county.

.. Improved access to the airport in McDuffie County.

.. The construction of another school.

.. More health facilities.

.. Increased law enforcement.

.. Easy access to the proposed conference center at Clark's Hill Lake.

.. Increased infrastructure.

According to George Brewer, a representative from the Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT), four areas need to be researched in order to make the four-lane to Thomson a reality: planning and engineering, permits, environmental and historical studies, and funding.

In further remarks, he estimated that the Thomson Highway project will take from 10 to 20 years to complete, unless the county is able to come up with the funding on its own.

In her comments, Alana Burke, executive director of the Lincoln County Development Authority, said, "I am pleased that Lincoln County is part of the Communities of Opportunities Initiative.

"A good transportation system helps improve the quality of life for our citizens by providing them with easy access to the many amenities surrounding Lincoln County," she stated. "It also helps to attract industry that will create jobs for the workforce."

The DCA is scheduled to develop a final work plan within the next two weeks for review by county officials and residents. Then, in May or early June, it will be submitted to the Rural Development Council at which time the agency will decide which communities will be allowed to move forward with their initiatives.

If the county is selected to take part in the implementation process, it will benefit from its strengths as identified by the group. These include:

.. Leadership.

.. Location. .. Tourism and recreation opportunities.

.. A large quantity of undeveloped land.

.. A concern for preserving history. .. Quality of life. .. Community participation.

.. A good educational system.

.. The friendliness and fellowship of the people in the community.

.. A focus on entrepreneurship.

.. A Christian attitude.

This marks the first time a Co-Op program has been implemented in Georgia.

For more information about the initiative, contact Alana Burke at 706- 359-7970.