Officials with Houston County in Georgia have adopted the latest iteration of its county’s planning document for future capital projects, detailing $269.1 million worth of investments in local projects through 2030.
Described as an effort to increase transparency in county spending, this will be the first time the county’s CIP documents have been made open for the public to view. The plan allocates funding to cover major infrastructure and community improvement initiatives. Breaking down the slated investments divides the spending into several categories, including:
- Highways and Streets – $90.4 million.
- Public Safety – $61.2 million.
- Water System – $42 million.
- Solid Waste – $35.5 million.
- Culture and Recreation – $20 million.
- General Government – $14.7 million.
The funding will predominantly be sourced from the voter approved Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). SPLOST tax revenue will account for more than half of the CIP’s funding, covering $180.5 million for projects.
A selection of the projects receiving the most funding over the next five years include:
The county will spend $27 million to replace the roof of a local jail. The jail has a capacity to hold 665 inmates and complete staff, operating year-round for all nearby municipalities. The current roof has been in place since the jail first opened in 2002 and is showing significant wear-and-tear.
Another $20 million will go toward the upcoming Cultural Performing Arts Center. The center will feature a larger auditorium-style venue holding more than 3,000 seats.
The county will allocate $15.9 million to support the North Houston Lake and Dunbar Road Improvements project. Plans include making various enhancements to improve road safety and traffic flow along the corridor.
The CIP details a $14.7 million investment in the Thompson Mill Road Extension initiative. Currently, residents along the road are at risk of severe weather cutting them off from leaving or entering their homes during emergencies. The extension will help alleviate these public safety issues, ensuring residents and emergency personnel can easily access the neighborhood during any weather event.
The county will spend $13 million to build the Warner Robins Animal Shelter. The facility will be adoption-based, providing better care for unhoused animals while increasing community accessibility and animal safety.
Photo by Robert So from Pexels
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