The original item was published from February 17, 2021 12:00 PM to February 17, 2021 3:14 PM
The first step toward designation as a Georgia Scenic Byway is to submit a Data Sheet on the proposed corridor for review by the Georgia Department of Transportation. The Board of Commissioners voted to approve a Resolution in support of initiating the Scenic Byway designation process at their regular meeting on November 5, 2020. Here is a presentation given at the November meeting.
You can review the completed data sheet submitted to the Georgia Department of Transportation. In addition to the information in the data sheet, a map of the proposed corridor is required, and is shared below. The proposed South Douglas Scenic Byway includes resources that meet all six of the intrinsic values of the program: scenic, cultural, natural, archaeological, historic and recreational sites.
The Georgia Department of Transportation approved the preliminary data sheet in December 2020. This approval allows Douglas County to move forward with the next steps in the process. The preliminary timeline below outlines what can be expected over the next few months.
- Preliminary eligibility determination: December 2020
- Preliminary stakeholder interviews: February-March 2021
- Public Meetings: April-June 2021 (tentative based on pandemic conditions)
- Preparation of Corridor Management Plan: final plan to be presented to the Board of Commissioners by August 2021 for transmission to the State
- State review of Corridor Management Plan: October 2021 target date for approval
Once final approval is given for the Corridor Management Plan, signs denoting the Scenic Byway will be installed along the corridor. There is an expectation of continuing maintenance and improvement consistent with the Corridor Management Plan, as well as periodic review and evaluation of the corridor.
Keep on eye on this project blog for updates on the progress of the South Douglas Scenic Byway. Updates will also be shared via Douglas County Social Media pages. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to Allison Duncan via phone or email.