The Valdosta-Lowndes Metropolitan Planning Organization (VLMPO) is proposing to amend its Fiscal Year 2018-2021 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and its 2040 Transportation Vision Plan for the Valdosta Metropolitan Planning Area; which includes all of Lowndes County and portions of Berrien, Brooks and Lanier Counties.

The amendment includes a small cost increase and funding source change on the I-75 Exit 11 interchange improvement project. This funding source change means the construction of the project will be funded with federal transportation funds as well as proceeds from the regional transportation sales tax enacted by voters in 2018. This project is expected to be let for construction in fiscal year 2020. A second amendment includes the addition of the South Valdosta Truck Bypass as a project to the Transportation Vision Plan as well as a preliminary scoping phase in the TIP. The scoping phase will allow the Georgia Department of Transportation to further identify a preferred alternative for this proposed route. This initial phase of the project is expected to begin in fiscal year 2021 using state funds.

The Valdosta-Lowndes Metropolitan Planning Organization is a multi-county, federally funded transportation planning agency for the Valdosta Urbanized Area. The VLMPO conducts long range and short range transportation planning in areas including: highways and bridges, public transit, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and freight movement among other areas. The VLMPO works with citizens, elected officials, and staff to provide information and coordination of studies and plans that benefit the local communities within the metropolitan area.

This TIP and Vision Plan are available for public review and comment from August 5, 2019 to September 3, 2019 at the Southern Georgia Regional Commission, 327 W Savannah Ave. Valdosta, GA 31601; all public libraries in Berrien, Brooks, Lanier and Lowndes Counties; on the VLMPO website (www.sgrc.us); all county government administration offices in Berrien, Brooks, Lanier and Lowndes Counties; and all city government administration offices in Lowndes County.

The VLMPO staff will host an Open House on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm at the Southern Georgia Regional Commission office. Accessibility aids (interpreter, large print, etc.) will be made available at the open house if a written request is made at least one week prior to the event.

For more information about the TIP and TVP amendments, or about the VLMPO in general, please contact Corey Hull, at 229-333-5277 or [email protected].