Aiken, North Augusta will split $3M for road projects
The cities of Aiken and North Augusta are splitting in half several million dollars of the multi-billion-dollar federal stimulus for roadway projects.
The decision passed unanimously Thursday during a special called meeting of the South Carolina Subcommittee of the Augusta Regional Transportation Study. The subcommittee learned last month that this area was allocated roughly $2.9 million for road improvements from the $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act President Barack Obama recently signed into law.
The next step needed was a decision on which projects were "shovel ready" and met South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) and Federal Highway Administration criteria.
"This body has to make a choice." said Aiken City Manager Roger LeDuc, "Where do we spend the money?"
Projects reportedly eligible included signal and corridor improvements on Whiskey Road, the widening to four lanes of U.S. 78 into Montmorenci and work on the West Avenue extension along the riverfront in North Augusta.
"I have no interest in the U.S. 78 project," said County Councilman Scott Singer. "There is no definitive need. I want to focus on Aiken and North Augusta projects."
The rest of the subcommittee agreed.
Skip Grkovic, director of economic development and community development with North Augusta, said it is more than likely the city's half of the money will be spent on road resurfacing. Some resurfacing priorities are Carolina Avenue, West Avenue, Alta Vista Avenue and Buena Vista Avenue.
"The money will get us a good way into it," he said.
Aiken's half will be spent on corridor improvements and a "smart" signal system to improve timing sequences on Whiskey Road between Hitchcock Drive and Chukker Creek Road.
"It will really help in relieving congestion on Whiskey Road," LeDuc said.
Projects still need the final OK from SCDOT and the Federal Highway Administration.
In other business, the subcommittee voted by majority to add 13 road resurfacing projects to the fiscal year 2008-2011 Transportation Improvement Program. Approximately $3.6 million from a different round of the stimulus package has been allotted for the work.
Singer abstained from voting.