Auburn officials to pursue $500,000 for infrastructure

Blechinger said she was “deeply honored.”

Post Commander Bob Heiss was scheduled to make the presentation, but due to unforeseen circumstances, was unable to attend.

City planner Larry Lucas told the council about a proposed partnership between the City of Auburn, Auburn Elementary School and the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) that could result in up to $500,000 worth of infrastructure improvements designed to enhance pedestrian and bicycle safety for local students.

Funding for the suggested projects, which include installing crosswalks on the Atlanta Highway, sidewalks on 6th Avenue, and possibly a railroad underpass at 7th Street, would come from a federal Safe Routes to School (SRTS) grant. Lucas told the council matching funds are not required and the only cost to the city would be development of a formal project cost estimate.

In order to meet the Nov. 23 deadline to apply for the SRTS funds, Lucas said, Auburn Elementary will have to become a partner with Georgia’s STRS Resource Center, a process which is free and already underway.

Blechinger called the application “an incredible opportunity” and the council voted unanimously to proceed.

For more on this story, see the September 22 edition of the Barrow Journal or click here to read the full story online when you subscribe to our new e-edition.