Citizen panel to advise on county road projects

An eight-member citizens committee that will advise Gwinnett County on selected road projects was selected Tuesday evening. The members, representing six major interests, will review and prioritize prospective road projects to be funded under the proposed special purpose local option sales tax, according to Brian Allen, county transportation director.

Committee members are:

Homeowners: Davida Baker, John Karnowski and Marlin Knapp

Schools: Garry Rhodes

Business: Marcy Adams

Environmentalists: Chuck Smillie

Civic leaders: Bruce LeVell

Developers: Emory Morsberger

Alternates were named for each position as well.

The meeting drew about 120 people to the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center in Lawrenceville.

The SPLOST, which will come up for a vote in the general election on Nov. 4, is projected to raise $850 million for special projects, including transportation, libraries, public safety and recreation. About $381 million, would go to roads, streets and bridges.

— PATRICK FOX