Kennesaw approves SPLOST 2022 project list

If Cobb voters approve on Nov. 3 the renewal of the one-cent sales tax, Kennesaw is expected to receive about $39 million for many projects over six years, beginning in 2022. (Courtesy of Kennesaw)

By Carolyn Cunningham

June 10, 2020

If approved by Cobb voters during the Nov. 3 election, the 2022 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) could yield around $39 million to Kennesaw for a variety of projects over six years.

This list was approved recently by the Kennesaw City Council.

As a part of this amount, Cobb County also will contribute $3 million to Kennesaw for a combined project.

The current SPLOST will expire at the end of 2021.

With projects divided between Tier 1 and Tier 2, SPLOST 2022 Tier 1 projects are:

Tier 1 / Parks and Facilities

Depot Park: phases 8-12 construction, consisting of an amphitheater, a festival area, a new and expanded parking lot for the park and a museum for $6 million.
Recreation Center: phase 2, including a multi-sport court and gymnastics for $3 million with an additional $3 million from Cobb County.
Facility improvements: water and energy conservation updates, space utilization for current and future staffing growth and expanded services (e.g., Public Works renovation, community development, etc.) and citywide facilities and cyber security upgrades for $3.5 million.

Tier 1 / Transportation and Roads

Rutledge Road/Cathey Lane: road widening, sidewalks and a new traffic light at Swift-Cantrell Park area to maximize transportation system performance and vehicular safety at the intersection of Swift-Cantrell Park and Old 41 for $4 million.
Sardis Street extension and overpass: continuation of Phase 1 to maximize transportation system performance, improve traffic congestion and complement redevelopment of the downtown area. A new road will be constructed from Main Street that intersects with Cherokee Street, Shirley Drive and an overpass to Moon Station. A bypass also will be built between the extension at Shirley Drive to North Cherokee Street - just south of Ben King Road - to reduce the impact on the Cherokee Street Historical District for $6 million.
Neighborhood improvements: sidewalks and street resurfacing for $785,000.

Tier 1 / Public Safety

Public Safety facility: This new facility will be for the Police Department, 911 and Emergency Operations Center for $8.5 million.

Tier 2 projects of $4.5 million will be covered with any remaining money from the 2022 SPLOST.

Tier 2 / Parks and Facilities

Fleet maintenance: Upgrade the maintenance facility with a sign shop to repair city vehicles and capital equipment and create road signs, improve bulk storage (e.g., salt, dirt, signs) location and underground storage tank/refueling area and address topography and stormwater issues for $2.5 million.
Smith-Gilbert Gardens grounds: create ADA-accessible trails, obtain Innovative Readiness Training materials and repair the historic Hiram Butler House for $500,000.

Tier 2 / Transportation and Roads