DAWSON COUNTY, Ga.  — Drivers who travel over Sweetwater Juno, Bailey Waters and Hugh Stowers roads should see some major improvements in driving conditions in the next six months. The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a $4 million contract with Blount Construction at Thursday’s voting session.

The contract calls for the deep reclamation and paving of all three roads. The work will begin with Hugh Stowers Road along a 1.37-mile stretch from the Thompson Road intersection to Grizzle Road.

The Sweetwater Juno Road project includes 4.5 miles from the intersection of SR 53 West to the intersection of SR 183.  The Bailey Waters project is approximately 3.59 miles from the intersection of SR 136 to the intersection of SR 52.  All work is expected to take approximately 165 days, weather permitting and includes a five-year warranty. The funding source is the voter-approved special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST).

The Board also approved a $453,000 contract with the low bidder Townley Construction for complete turn-key culvert renovations on four structures on Bailey Waters Road and Sweetwater Juno Road. The vote was 3-0 with Commissioner Sharon Fausett abstained. Those projects, too, will be funded by the voter-approved SPLOST.

Commissioners tabled a request by the Rotary Club of Dawson County to install a granite Peace Pole in front of the courthouse until the June 4 meeting. The pole would have the words, “May Peace Prevail on Earth” written in different languages on each side. Commissioner Chris Gaines made the motion to table saying he wants more time to discuss the proposed location with Rotary Club officials.

Commissioners approved Emergency Services Director Danny Thompson’s request to accept $4,316.35 in funding raised by the State of Georgia Super Speeder Law. Fines collected under the law support the Georgia Trauma Commission statewide and 20 percent of these funds go to various EMS programs across the state.

The request for a special event license application for the Mountain Madness 15K trail run at Fausett Farms on June 20 was approved 4-0.

The Board also approved Gaines’ motion to renew the county employee healthcare plan as presented during the work session effective July 1. Commissioners will revisit an employee wellness plan on June 18 aimed at improving employees’ overall health thus reducing the amount of claims paid out.

 

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