The 411 Connector has won a coveted spot on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s fast-track list – moving the long-awaited project to near the top of the priority for completion, U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey announced today after a telephone conversation with Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta.
“I simply cannot overstate how important this is for northwest Georgia. It’s huge,” Gingrey said. “I’ve said consistently that this project was my No. 1 transportation priority, and I’m thrilled to see this designation has come to fruition. I have worked very closely with Federal Highway Administrator Mary Peters and Secretary of Transportation Norman Mineta to convince them of this project’s merit. Luckily, the promise of the 411 Connector speaks for itself.
“A vitally important project that has been on the backburner for around 30 years is now finally moving ahead. This highway improvement will greatly ease movement from northwest Georgia counties to I-75, and could definitely bring economic development to Bartow, Floyd, Chattooga, Polk and other surrounding counties.”
Placement on the list means that the federal government will expedite the project’s environmental review. Instead of taking years, it will now take months for the environmental review process. The 411 Connector is one of only six transportation projects in the nation on the fast-track list. More than 50 transportation projects were nominated. The Connector will provide a direct path for Bartow and Floyd counties to I-75.
The U.S. Department of Transportation will hold an on-site event with Gingrey on Aug. 17. More details will be forthcoming.
