News Summary
The Chatham County Board of Commissioners has approved nearly $40 million in grant applications aimed at enhancing local infrastructure. Key projects include widening Old River Road, improving pedestrian access on Johnny Mercer Boulevard, and eliminating delays at the President Street railroad crossing. These initiatives seek to create safer transportation options for residents while enhancing community engagement through a related gala event recognizing local leaders.
Savannah, Georgia — The Chatham County Board of Commissioners has taken a significant step to improve local infrastructure by approving nearly $40 million in grant applications aimed at addressing pressing transportation issues in the area. Residents have long faced challenges such as inadequate sidewalks on Johnny Mercer Boulevard and frequent delays at the President Street railroad crossing due to active trains.
During a recent meeting, the commissioners submitted the grant applications through the Coastal Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (CORE MPO) for the 2025 project call. CORE MPO plays a crucial role in guiding regional transportation policy, prioritizing projects, and managing federal transportation funds.
The major projects included in the grant requests are as follows:
- $20.5 million for widening Old River Road from two to four lanes under a Surface Transportation Block Grant.
- $8.75 million for pedestrian improvements on Johnny Mercer Boulevard, which aims to construct shared-use paths from U.S. 80 to Turner Creek.
- $6.25 million earmarked for preliminary engineering to eliminate the President Street railroad crossing, a vital component also featured in the upcoming November Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) referendum.
- $4 million grant application for enhancing safety on State Road 204.
The funding initiatives are expected to greatly contribute to creating safer transportation options for both pedestrians and cyclists in the region. District 4 Commissioner Pat Farrell has noted the continued need for safe and uninterrupted access for pedestrians and bicyclists, specifically on Wilmington Island.
In a different noteworthy event, the Hungry Club Forum of Savannah is poised to host its annual gala, which aims to recognize local leaders for their contributions to civic life and the advancement of Black economic initiatives. Scheduled for 7 p.m. on October 4 at the Vintage Special Event Center, this year’s event will honor several influential individuals in the community.
This year’s awardees include Bishop Willie Ferrell, who will receive the President’s Award, and Benjamin R. Polote Sr., who will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The gala promises to highlight the significant roles these individuals have played in fostering community engagement and development.
Tickets for the gala are available online, allowing community members to participate in the celebration of local achievements. The president of the Hungry Club Forum, Robert G. Bryant, has emphasized the importance of recognizing those who have made a difference in the community, marking this event as a meaningful occasion for attendees.
The actions taken by the Chatham County Board of Commissioners and the recognition of local leaders both showcase the community’s commitment to improvement and collaboration. The grant applications aim to address critical infrastructure needs, while the gala highlights the importance of unity and advancement among Savannah’s residents.
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Now: Chatham County Seeks Grant Support for Road Projects
- Savannah Now: Chatham County Puts Roads Major Projects into Focus with SPLOST List
- AJC: Savannah’s Growth is on Ballot with School Infrastructure Tax Levies
- Chapelboro: Chatham County Gets $29 Million for Water Projects
- Savannah Now: Chatham County Swore in Its New Commission
- Wikipedia: Savannah, Georgia
- Google Search: Chatham County
- Google Scholar: Chatham County Infrastructure
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chatham County
- Google News: Chatham County News
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
