A West Augusta Wheeler Road project is getting a $2.3 million boost and eyeing next year for completion.
The Augusta Commission is expected to approve a supplemental construction agreement Tuesday with the Georgia Department of Transportation. The agreement increases federal funding for the project to $5 million, up from the original $2.65 million.
The plans call for widening and resurfacing lanes, installing new left-turn and deceleration lanes, upgrading traffic signals, reconfiguring access points and relocating utilities along a 1.4-mile corridor of Wheeler Road between Augusta West Parkway and I-20.
The project is being managed by Augusta Engineering and Environmental Services under Director Hameed Malik. Reeves Construction Co. is leading the construction. The project is on schedule for completion of stormwater and utility relocation in the fall, paving and lane expansion in winter and spring and striping and final inspections in summer, Malik said.
Also on the agenda is a motion to create Tax Allocation District Number Five for the Wheeler Road corridor encompassing property at Map/Parcel 022-0-161-01-0. The measure directs the city administrator, interim general counsel, and finance department to prepare a redevelopment plan for the area to present before a public hearing.
Commissioners will vote on providing $1.18 million in supplemental funding for the Skinner Mill Road Improvements Project, advancing the preliminary engineering and design phase under the city’s existing contract with Infrastructure Systems Management, LLC.
Several community advocates are set to address the commission Tuesday about issues including the Charter Review Committee.
Moses Todd, founder of I Love Augusta, will speak about the resolution governing the Charter Review Committee. Todd has called for amending the resolution, which has drawn public criticism in recent months.
Commissioner Ben Hasan also plans to discuss continuing the conversation raised by Dr. Gayla S. Keesee in her public comments last month, “The Charter Review Process Deserves Better,” which urged greater accountability from consultants and commissioners involved in the review.
On the regular agenda, the commission is expected to again take up the Charter Review Committee Resolution, a discussion deferred from the Sept. 16 meeting at the request of Commissioner Francine Scott.
In a separate presentation, Ivan Hall will ask for the city’s help preserving his home at 1760 Cornell Drive, which played a role in the 1970 Augusta Riots. Hall is seeking support through the city’s Historical Preservation Initiative for the Glendale community.
