Joy Peterson posted on March 03, 2010 07:01
The City of Rome and Floyd County have jointly received a Georgia Department of Transportation grant for landscaping around five “Welcome to Rome” signs. The signs are located on Georgia Highway 53 North, U.S. Highway 27 North, U.S. Highway 27 South, U.S. Highway 411 North, and U.S. Highway 411 South. Rome and Floyd County competed with other communities throughout the state for the 2009 Georgia Transportation Enhancement (GATEway) Grant.
The grants were reviewed by the Department’s Roadside Enhancement and Beautification Council (REBC), composed of representatives from conservation groups and members of the Outdoor Advertising Association. Revenue from Outdoor Advertising Vegetation Management Permits funds the grants to mitigate the effects of tree/vegetation removal in front of billboard signs on highway rights of way.
A primary goal of the GATEway Grant program is to fund enduring enhancement of the roadsides for the traveling public. The community’s solid plans for continued, quality maintenance of their beautification project was key in being chosen to receive the GATEway grant funds. We appreciate the knowledge, skill and recommendations of the REBC members in this grant process.
The Rome and Floyd County project is one of 22 granted to local governments in 2009 across the state for GATEway projects, totaling $928,608.25. The grants are awarded each year. More information can be found at www.dot.ga.gov/localgovernment/FundingPrograms/gateway, or by calling 404-631-1397.
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