ATLANTA (WSAV) — State lawmakers say we need to fund road repairs, fix potholes and connect our ports to metro cities for faster travel.
“Our roads need to be fixed,” said state Rep. Edna Jackson (D-Savannah). “Our bridges need to be repaired and are in terrible condition, so we need to act now.”
One of the new bills being considered in the state house is to expand truck weight limits, which will help agriculture.
“We are seeing a significant expansion of delivery networks. It goes from the port of Savannah to the Atlanta airport. From a transportation standpoint, there is a need to build our roads,” said state Rep. El-Mahdi Holley (D-Lovejoy, Stockbridge, McDonough).
But lawmakers say with heavy trucks moving around the state, we need to check weight limits to prevent wear and tear that can cause accidents.
“If you look at all the trucks that come through the port and haven’t been repaired in 5-10 years, they’re going to fall down,” said Rep. Jackson.
The governor also announced that the state will provide $15 million to expand high-speed internet in low-income and rural communities to help close the digital divide.
More than 76,000 locations in the state’s 28 counties will benefit from half a billion dollars previously allocated for rural Internet expansion this year to help homes, schools and businesses.
State lawmakers have until next Monday, transition day, when the bills move to the other house and must ratify the state budget by Wednesday, March 29, just 4 weeks away.