Governor Brian Kemp 206 Washington Street Suite 203. State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334 

RE: State Route 44 Widening Project; Greene and Putnam Counties 

Honorable Governor Kemp, 

The Save My 44 is a group of Greene and Putnam County citizens and business leaders extremely concerned with the Georgia Department of Transportation proposed project to widen State Route 44 from Interstate Highway 20 to Harmony Road in Eatonton. 

While we support planned development at the Highway 20 /Route 44 intersection, the proposed plan for the urban portion of Highway 44 (Carey Station Road to Harmony Road) is unacceptably dangerous and destructive. We are requesting that this portion of Hwy 44 now be considered a totally separate project. Suspend the planned massive and unnecessary expansion of this route and design a new plan; a solution that considers the current and future needs of our unique Lake community. 

We are not opposed to improvements that address congestion and efficiently manage traffic. We have proposed a solution that is safer, more cost effective, environmentally respectful and reflects the specific needs of our community. In GDOT attended meetings, petitions and numerous public forums, the citizens of the Lake Oconee area have expressed their concern and opposition to the implementation of the GDOT design that is outdated and totally inappropriate for our community. 

The “urban” portion of 44 is our “Main Street” and the only connectivity between most neighborhoods and businesses. It is the thread that unites our community and Lake Oconee residents account for most of the traffic. Disruption to this flow will have a significant impact on all of us. Over 300 businesses operate along this corridor. The existing plan will affect all of these. Three to five years of construction would be unbearable, and many will not survive or choose to relocate when denied safe and reasonable access. This would be a loss to all residents who rely on the services provided. Lost business and reduced sales tax revenue means less revenue for our Counties to support local fire and law enforcement departments and road maintenance. 

We need GDOT to stop the aggressive acquisition of properties and redesign the current plan. We propose a design focused on safety and efficient traffic management that will require less property, less asphalt, less construction time, and less environmental and business impact. The citizens of the Lake Oconee area want a safe, efficient roadway that enhances our beautiful Lake community and does not destroy the very qualities that attracted us and will, hopefully, continue to color our future. 

Please visit our website for details on proposed solutions and design. More information on Community involvement and interest displayed at recent public meetings regarding the planned reconstruction of our main thoroughfare is also available. 

Thank you.

CC: Russell McMurray, GDOT Commissioner Burt Jones, Lieutenant Governor