Data from Georgia’s Transportation Investment Act (TIA) program shows progress in the River Valley region and across the state, as reported by State TIA Administrator Kenneth Franks during a presentation to Georgia’s State Transportation Board on May 14, 2025. The program, now in its 13th year, highlights economic and civic development through infrastructure projects.
In 2012, voters in River Valley and two other regions approved funding for transportation improvements via a one-cent sales tax. Southern Georgia joined in 2018. Voters have continued support with new project lists for additional ten-year terms since 2020.
For River Valley’s first term (2013-2022), $512.3 million was collected, with $384.2 million allocated to infrastructure projects and $128 million used as discretionary funds. Eighteen projects are completed, with five under construction. In their second term (2023-2032), River Valley has completed two of 45 planned projects, with others in various stages of development.
Franks attributed cost management success to transparency and collaboration: “TIA staff work in conjunction with each region as the local officials build their project investment lists.” He noted that they account for inflation when budgeting.
Across four regions, 1,022 projects were tackled with a $1.9 billion budget during TIA 1 terms. As TIA 2 begins for some regions, including River Valley, nearly 996 projects are planned with a $2.14 billion budget.
River Valley’s revenue collection is currently ahead of forecasts by 17%. If collections meet projected costs early, officials may consider an election for a third term sooner than expected.
Recent TIA-funded completions include road improvements in Crisp County and Macon County’s Buck Creek Bypass.
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