By Carter Infinger, Bryan County Commission Chairman.

With all the exciting news circulating around Bryan County these days, it can be easy to forget we have been working tirelessly on a wide array of projects The news of the mega site sale and some other collaborations with neighboring counties certainly is something to celebrate. But we are also looking forward to seeing our efforts pay off in other areas.

The Highway 144 widening likely will be complete in July. The $32 million widening was added in January to Georgia’s 2018 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program list after Bryan County Commissioners teamed up with leaders from the City of Richmond Hill, area legislators, Georgia Department of Transportation officials and advocates to emphasize the importance of the widening and lobby for its placement.

Nearly three years later, the end is in sight, and we will soon be cruising right along.

Other accommodations planned for the benefit and enjoyment of Bryan County’s growing population include recreation improvements and upgrades. At Henderson Park, a new gym and multi-purpose fields are being built and will be paid for with SPLOST. Construction is underway.

Things are also starting to happen out at the Fisherman’s Co-op site, which Bryan County purchased last year. Clean up of the site will soon begin and the county continues to lobby for state funds to create a wonderful recreation amenity for our community. The plot previously was home to the Bryan County Fisherman’s Cooperative, which was built in 1979 and sold in 2007. Because it was used by shrimpers to haul in their catches, it has deep-water access. So, a boat ramp is part of the plan we are devising, and there are a multitude of other opportunities and ideas being considered.

At the Interstate Centre Park in the Black Creek area, the wastewater treatment -infrastructure is currently undergoing a major expansion.

These infrastructure upgrades will allow for economic growth in this portion of Bryan County for many years to come.

Road maintenance is a constant necessity and repaving is a big part of keeping our roadways safe for motorists. That is why for the past few years TSPLOST has enabled Bryan County to resurface double the road mileage annually.

Thanks to our careful advanced planning, we can ensure that traveling through Bryan County is as safe and convenient as possible.

We’re proud that we’ve managed to continue to work on projects while welcoming others that will have a big impact on our region. Just because new irons are added to the fire does not mean we forget the ones we previously placed there.

All initiatives, plans and projects are important, as each one has its own place and purpose for improving our residents’ quality of life.