Gainesville, Flowery Branch, Braselton getting state transportation grants, loans

ATLANTA - Gov. Nathan Deal Wednesday announced the approval of funding for 20 transportation infrastructure projects totaling $33 million in grants and loans provided through the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank (GTIB). Gainesville is getting some of the money, as are Flowery Branch and Braselton.<br /> <br /> This represents the largest funding cycle for the GTIB program since its inception. The GTIB program is a revolving infrastructure investment fund established in 2008 by Georgia legislators and administered by the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA).<br /> <br /> "The GTIB program is an important resource for community improvement districts and local governments seeking supplemental funding needed to move vital transportation projects forward," Deal said. "The projects receiving awards today will not only enhance mobility in local communities, they will also keep Georgia's business engine moving by improving access to retail and job centers throughout the state."<br /> <br /> Community improvement districts (CIDs), as well as local and state government entities are eligible for GTIB grant and loan funding. Final approval is made by the SRTA Board which is chaired by Deal.<br /> <br /> This year, a record number of governments and CIDs applied for funds to jumpstart or complete 58 new projects. The awards went to: cities/towns - Atlanta, Braselton, Dunwoody, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Newnan, Sandy Springs and Tyrone; CIDs - Cumberland, Fulton Industrial Boulevard, Gwinnett Place, North Fulton, Red Top and Town Center Area; and counties - Athens-Clarke, Bartow, and Grady.<br /> <br /> "To date, the GTIB program has provided more than $50 million in funding to jumpstart or complete transportation projects with a total value of more than $200 million," said SRTA Executive Director Chris Tomlinson. "The increasing number of GTIB applicants illustrates the state's commitment to partner with local communities and advance much needed transportation infrastructure improvements. SRTA is proud to assist in speeding up these impactful projects."<br /> <br /> Grant applications were ranked based on transportation/engineering merit, economic merit, local, state and federal matching funds and project specifics, such as the project phase and feasibility. Loan applications are evaluated based on borrower type, project type and loan spend down/repayment abilities, in addition to the merits of the project itself.<br /> <br /> Here is the list of project descriptions for this round of GTIB funding:<br /> <br /> COUNTIES

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