New state DOT commish details mass problems

Only eight days into her term as new commissioner of Georgia’s Department of Transportation, Gena Abraham has delivered a sobering assessment of where things stand. Abraham told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that her new staff is unable to indicate how many projects the department has in the works or who’s overseeing projects. She also says over 15-hundred lawsuits are unresolved, and projects from the Governor’s Fast Forward program are 4.2 billion dollars over cost estimates.

Abraham had the support of Governor Sonny Perdue to replace Harold Linnenkohl as DOT commissioner. Abraham was chosen in a one-vote margin by the board over a candidate supported by House Speaker Glenn Richardson.

I-85 dubbed 'Scenic Byway'

Georgia's interstate highway system. Click on the map for more information. (DOT)

The Georgia Department of Transportation has named I-185 a Scenic Byway, ensuring that billboards and other visual blight will not be allowed along the thoroughfare.

The highway passes through Troup, Harris and Muscogee counties, and ends at Ft. Benning, near Columbus.

GDOT Board member Sam Wellborn says of the move:

“This is a very important event for our entire region, not only will this designation preserve an already prestigious corridor but it will forever prevent billboards and will increase tourism.”

GDOT Commissioner Harold Linnenkohl will present a proclamation to Wellborn and Gloria Weston-Smart, Executive Director of Keep Columbus Beautiful Commission, in support of the I-185 Scenic Byway designation, at a ceremony in Atlanta on Thursday. A ceremony will be held Friday morning at a welcome center along exit 12.

The interstate joins seven other similarly-designated state roads, and the group says the title will be listed on state and federal maps.

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Vance Smith seeking GDOT post

State Republican Representative Vance Smith, of Pine Mountain, wants to be the next commissioner of the Department of Transportation. Smith announced his interest in the position to Governor Sonny Perdue last week.

Current commissioner, Harold Linnenkohl, who has held the post for the last four years, is stepping down as of Nov. 30.

Smith is the president of Smith Construction Company, a construction and earthmoving concern, according to the state legislature website.

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Transportation commissioner to retire

Georgia Department of Transportation Commmissioner Harold E. Linnenkohl has announced his retirement. Linnenkohl says he’ll step down November 30th, capping a 39-year DOT career. He has headed the DOT since 2003.