Ga. gets $4.8 million for transportation projects

By Associated Press

For the AJC

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has announced more than $4.8 million in grants for Georgia to fund projects ranging from a bike and pedestrian bridge in Atlanta to a highway project in Winder.

LaHood said in a statement Wednesday that the projects will create jobs and improve the quality of life for residents.

States applied for the funds in June, and authorities said more than 1,800 applications requesting a total of nearly $13 billion were received. LaHood said that is more than 30 times the funds available.

Georgia received funding for projects including acquiring right of way for the Bob Callan Trunk Trail in Atlanta ($2,850,000); constructing a bike and pedestrian bridge for the Atlanta Beltline/City Hall East bike project ($782,640); and repairing highway pavement in Winder ($700,000).