Henry Country Transportation Plan

Joint Henry County/Cities Transportation Plan October 2005

Project Fact Sheet

What is the Joint Henry County/Cities Transportation Plan? In August, 2005, the Henry County Board of Commissioners initiated the development of its first Comprehensive Transportation Plan in collaboration with the Cities of Hampton, Locust Grove, McDonough, and Stockbridge. The Plan was initiated in response to the concerns of local elected officials and citizens about the rapid growth of the County and its impact on the quality of the transportation system in the County and the increasing level of traffic congestion. The Plan will identify the current need for transportation system improvements throughout the County, including new and widened roads, turn lanes at intersections, traffic signals, safety improvements, sidewalks and bicycle paths, and new and expanded public transportation services for commuters, seniors, and disabled individuals. Special attention will be given to identifying the needed transportation projects that will be needed to serve newly developing and expanding areas of the County. The Plan will also examine a range of possible financial resources which could be used to fund the new transportation system improvements.

How is this rapid growth affecting Henry County? Henry County, including its cities, is experiencing an unprecedented surge of growth and development according to U.S. Census figures and information from the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC). While new development and growth bring more opportunities to our area, it also brings some challenges. • • •

Henry County is currently the sixth-fastest growing county in the entire United States, and has the fourth-highest rate of new housing construction. Henry County’s population is projected to increase to 370,000 people by 2030 – an increase of more than 200% from 2000. Employment in Henry County is projected to increase by 230% by 2030, from 33,000 jobs in 2000 to almost 110,000 jobs in 2030.

What does this growth mean to our transportation system in Henry County? Based on current development patterns, the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) estimates that this growth will result in: • • •

82,000 additional households in the County; 250,000 additional vehicles traveling on the roadways in the County; and 8,000,000 more vehicle miles of travel (VMT) each day.

New households and businesses will place additional demands on our existing transportation system, which is already experiencing high levels of congestion in many places. If we do not think about and act to improve our transportation system now, it will be even more difficult to deal with our transportation difficulties in the future when are roads are more congested, the improvements cost more, and our ability to improve our roads is more limited. Our ability to travel conveniently, safely, and economically throughout the County has a direct bearing on our quality of life.

Joint Henry County/Cities Transportation Plan October 2005 Project Fact Sheet

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What are we doing to address our future transportation needs? The Cities of Hampton, Locust Grove, McDonough, and Stockbridge are working with Henry County to update the County’s Comprehensive Land Use and Transportation Plans for the entire County to ensure that the expected growth is properly planned for and does not undermine the quality of life for our residents. Specifically, these plans will: • • • •

Identify a long-range vision for the entire County that is consistent with the needs and desires of its residents. Develop specific planning goals and objectives to realize this vision that are jointly supported by Henry County and its cities. Establish growth, development, and transportation policies that can be used by the County and its cities to make this vision a reality. Identify specific transportation projects that will support the type of growth and development desired by the citizens of Henry County.

How long will it take to develop the Plan? The Joint Henry County/Cities Transportation Plan will cover a planning period from 2005 though 2030 and will be completed by January 2007. The Comprehensive Land Use Plan will be finished by April 2007. We are firmly committed to addressing the County’s future needs through a balanced and coordinated approach to land use and transportation planning.

Will citizens have an opportunity to participate? Over the next several months, a number of community meetings will be held throughout Henry County aimed at understanding the needs and expectations of our residents, as well as identifying public policies and actions that can best achieve these common planning goals. Your participation in these meetings is crucial to creating a workable plan that successfully guides Henry County’s future. We encourage you to remain engaged and informed about the development of the Plan by: 9 9 9

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Attending informative and interactive community workshops. Joining the mailing list to receive newsletters and email notices about study progress, key decisions and public events. Visiting the County website (www.co.henry.ga.us) on a regular basis to review project information and to complete comment forms. Checking the local cable access channel for special programming featuring transportation-related topics.

Contact Us Terry McMickle Project Director Department of Public Works Henry County 140 Henry Parkway McDonough, GA 678-610-6341 (tel) 770-898-7657 (fax) [email protected]

Lisa Glover Project Manager Transportation Planning Henry County 140 Henry Parkway McDonough, GA 678-610-6341 (tel) 770-898-7657 (fax) [email protected]

Jamie Cochran Plan Development Parsons Brinckerhoff 3340 Peachtree Road Tower Place, Suite 2400 Atlanta, GA 30326 404-285-7577 (tel) 404-364-5240 (fax) [email protected]

Mignon Allen Public Input/Communications Dovetail Consulting 427 Moreland Avenue Suite 600 Atlanta, GA 30307 404-223-1660 (tel) 404-223-1662 (fax) [email protected]