– A multi-jurisdictional transportation project recently received a financial boost that will shorten the waiting period for it to commence.

Gov. Brian Kemp announced Monday a $17 million investment in transportation infrastructure projects across Georgia, and Cherokee County will receive $3.9 million from the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank for Technology Ridge Parkway Phase I, known historically as the Heard Road Extension. The project is in partnership with the city of Canton, the Cherokee Office of Economic Development and Cherokee County.

The total award amount is the sum of a $2.9 million loan with a five-year repayment schedule and a $1 million grant. Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax funds are planned to be used to repay the note. This is the first time Cherokee County has applied for and been awarded a GTIB loan and grant.

“Thank you Gov. Brian Kemp and State Road and Tollway Authority Leadership for the investment in Cherokee County and for inviting us to the Capitol to commemorate the award,” said Chairman Harry Johnston. “We’d like to also thank the city of Canton and the Cherokee Office of Economic Development for their written support of the grant application.”

This is phase one of a five-phase project that will ultimately connect Bluffs Parkway to the Cherokee County Regional Airport. The Technology Ridge project has been in the works for more than a decade – the Technology Urban Redevelopment Plan was adopted in 2011 and identifies the corridor from Bluffs Parkway to the airport as prime location for industry.

“Technology Ridge Parkway Phase I is a new roadway that will connect Bluffs Parkway to Heard Road and Fate Conn Road and will be just over a half of a mile,” said Cherokee County Community Development Agency Director Brantley Day.

The project will begin with a new roundabout on Bluffs Parkway and ends with a new roundabout installed in the Heard Road/Fate Conn Road intersection. This project will immediately enhance mobility and safety on these roadways while improving critical intersections,” Day said.

The project is expected to spur corporate and industry development bringing more jobs to Cherokee County. The new thoroughfare, when complete, will provide easier access from the airport to the businesses in the area.

“The first phase of the parkway will deliver essential connectivity while providing a critical alignment for future expansion,” said Marshall Day, Chairman of the Cherokee Office of Economic Development. “It will also ensure opportunity for quality growth with positive economic impact for the region.”