Governor Perdue Breaks Ground at New Hammond Interchange
Tuesday, September 29, 2009 |
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“This improvement is a testament to the tenacity, drive and dedication of the Perimeter CIDs’ board members and President and CEO Yvonne Williams,” said Governor Perdue. “Together with their partners, they have changed the face of one of
Construction is expected to start during October to build entrance and exit ramps from
The project had been planned for more than 15 years to ease traffic in one of the most congested areas of Metro Atlanta, but the Perimeter CIDs’ collaboration with the state jumpstarted the project.
“The Hammond Drive/GA 400 interchange project is a perfect example of the private and public sectors cooperating on a much needed transportation improvement,” said GDOT Commissioner Vance Smith, who also attended the kickoff event. “This project would not have happened right now if not for the financial contribution of the PCIDs.”
Through self-imposed additional commercial property taxes, Perimeter commercial property owners are contributing $5.5 million for a northbound entrance ramp onto GA 400 and a southbound exit ramp. GDOT is funding the cost of the bridge. Sandy Springs also partnered on the project by financing the PCIDs’ contribution through the city’s development department, saving the PCIDs half a million dollars. “This is the kind of public-private partnership we want to see take root all around
“The Hammond Half-Diamond Project serves as a model that proves the success of sharing a common goal, creating bold and innovative strategies and bringing all available resources to the table,” said Williams. “This project will be a tremendous asset to the business and residential areas of Perimeter.”
A GDOT study released in April 2008 of the existing and projected volume of trips along the
With more than 100,000 workers,
At Tuesday’s event, Perdue also dedicated the award-winning
Last year, Pedestrians Educating Drivers on Safety (PEDS) presented a Golden Shoe Award to the PCIDs for their pedestrian-friendly retrofit of the
Perdue also presented a special award to Bob Voyles in recognition of his 10 years of “innovative service and commitment to create the Southeast’s premier urban center.” Principal and CEO of Seven Oaks Company, Voyles was one of the founding fathers of the PCIDs and has chaired the DeKalb PCID for five years.
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