Overview
Seventy-five percent of the transportation sales tax proceeds would be used to pay for the current list of projects. The remaining 25 percent, roughly $159 million, would be divided up by local governments for officials there to decide how best to use on transportation investments, said Laura Mathis, executive director of the Middle Georgia Regional Commission.
Major Projects by County
Some of the highest estimated cost projects are:
- Macon-Bibb County: $30 million for a Sardis Church Road extension to Interstate 16
- Houston County: $36.7 million widening of U.S. 41/Ga. 11 from Ga. 96 to Ga. 247
- Baldwin County: $11 million Log Cabin Road widening
- Crawford County: $6 million for passing lanes on U.S. 80 east
- Jones County: $6 million for Henderson Road resurfacing
Shifting Public Perception and Collaborative Planning
There’s been a different vibe in this year’s T-SPLOST roundtable meetings compared to 2012 when the measure failed to pass, Mathis said.
At that time, the majority of voters in Houston, Putnam, Monroe, and Twiggs counties opposed the measures. But with local leaders having more flexibility this year because the proposal was not mandated by state law, the discussions moved at a pace in which the government representatives felt comfortable, Mathis said.
“I think they really focused on having really good, solid projects on the list,” she said.
“(There was a) collaborative, cooperative understanding of the needs of communities being different, but also being sure that each community has something that fits them.”
River Valley T-SPLOST Region
One of the regions that did pass the T-SPLOST referendum in 2012 was the 16-county area that includes Columbus-Muscogee County.
- T-SPLOST revenues over the first five years have come in about 17 percent lower than projected, but each of the 23 projects on the initial list will be completed, said Patti Cullen, executive director of the River Valley Regional Commission.
- Thus far, four road projects, including a $30-million widening of U.S. 27, have been finished.
- Construction is underway on eight other projects, Cullen said.
“I definitely think it’s been a success,” Cullen said.
“Even though we had counties that didn’t have a project (on the list), because they were able to get 25 percent, they were able to resurface roads in their counties and get some equipment they needed.”
Public Communication Challenges
At a recent Macon-Bibb County Commission meeting, Commissioner Al Tillman warned officials that they must do a better job of communicating the benefits of the tax to the public.
In 2012, there was pushback from the NAACP, among others, about the tax that may have led to its downfall, he said.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is T-SPLOST and how is the funding allocated?
T-SPLOST (Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) is a sales tax designated for regional transportation improvements. In this case, 75% of the proceeds fund a set list of transportation projects, while the remaining 25%, about $159 million, is distributed to local governments for discretionary transportation investments.
Which counties are receiving major project investments?
Counties like Macon-Bibb, Houston, Baldwin, Crawford, and Jones are receiving substantial investments. Examples include a $30 million extension of Sardis Church Road in Macon-Bibb and a $36.7 million widening of U.S. 41 in Houston County.
How does this T-SPLOST proposal differ from the 2012 version?
Unlike in 2012, the current proposal is not mandated by state law, which has allowed local leaders more flexibility. This has led to more collaborative planning and stronger community-specific project lists, according to regional officials.
What results have been seen in the River Valley T-SPLOST Region?
Although revenues came in about 17% lower than projected, all 23 projects on the original list are on track. Four projects are complete, eight are under construction, and many counties have benefited from resurfacing and equipment purchases with their 25% share.
What challenges exist in communicating the benefits of T-SPLOST to the public?
Officials, including Macon-Bibb Commissioner Al Tillman, emphasize the need for better public communication. In 2012, poor messaging and community resistance, including from the NAACP, contributed to the tax’s failure in some areas.