GEORGIA

MILEPOSWinterT - Spring 2008 Georgia DOT’s Historical Quest: Finding USS Water Witch

Plus: Georgia DOT Honored for Contributions

QQ&A with Commissioner Abraham SPRING 2008

Contents

3 2 Commissioner’s Corner 3 Welcoming HERO Graduates

3 New Cable Barriers in Georgia

4 GPTQ Conference

4 Wayne Shackelford Interchange

5 Q & A Interview with Commissioner Abraham

7 14th Street Bridge Project to Undergo Facelift

9 8 Employees Honored for State Charitable Contributions

9 Finding USS Water Witch

11 New Members Elected to State Transportation Board

12 Exploring Georgia’s Scenic Byways

13 Making Headlines

On the cover: Georgia DOT collaborates with the Department of Natural Resources to search the Vernon River near Savannah for the Water Witch, a sunken vessel lost 150 years ago.

Georgia Milepost is a quarterly publication of the Georgia DOT for the employees and retirees of the Department. It is produced by the Office of Communications of the Georgia Department of Transportation, No. 2 Capitol Square, Atlanta, GA 30334. Permission is granted to reprint material from the Georgia Milepost with proper credit.

© 2008 Georgia Milepost.

1 SPRING 2008 GEORGIA MILEPOST Commissioner’s Column

Staff It is my pleasure to offer you my first Milepost column as your Commissioner! EXECUTIVE EDITOR I relish the opportunity to share with the “good news” ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR, about GDOT and the dedicated employees who are INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS committed to performing quality work across our state. Lillian Jackson From our Highway Emergency Response Operators EDITOR (featured in this issue) to our engineers, our employees Carla Murphy are responding to the needs of our traveling public and DESIGNER committing every day to a more efficient operation. Laurie Scott

As you will see in this issue of Milepost, we are increasing the number of our ARTIST certified HEROs; improving safety on our highways with the installation of Stanley Smith cable barriers; resurfacing more than 4.7 miles of the Connector while also DIVISION DIRECTOR replacing the 14th Street Bridge; and demonstrating our stewardship as part Ericka Davis of a collaborative project with the Department of Natural Resources to locate ADMINISTRATOR, a 150-year-old sunken vessel near Savannah. OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS In addition to these projects, we have been busy with other important work. Karlene Barron We have reorganized divisions and offices and enhanced processes and proce- ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR, dures throughout the Department, all as part of our plan to make systemic EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS improvements to the way we do business. David Spear We also have begun what is arguably one of our most important tasks – the creation of a major project prioritization plan. We are taking a hard look at all Administration 9,000 road and infrastructure projects on our books and prioritizing which COMMISSIONER ones should move forward. A transportation funding shortfall that has pre- Gena L. Abraham sented serious challenges for our state requires that we maximize our resources DEPUTY COMMISSIONER and choose projects based on true engineering principles and which offer us Buddy Gratton the most bang for our buck. That plan – with the prioritized list of projects – CHIEF ENGINEER will be completed by September. Gerald Ross As we move forward, I will continue to share with you the “good news” of TREASURER how you – our employees – are building a better GDOT through hard work, Earl L. Mahfuz efficiency and excellent customer service. We will continue to take what has worked for many of you in the past, combine it with what we know today, and create what I believe will be the best transportation department in the District country. Communications District One — Teri Pope Sincerely, District Two — Cissy McNure District Three — Kimberly Larson District Four — Craig Solomon Gena L. Abraham District Five — Brenda Howard District Six — Mohamed Arafa District Seven — Mark McKinnon

GEORGIA MILEPOST SPRING 2008 2 Commissioner Welcomes New HERO Graduates

By Carla Murphy Award Recipients Most Assists Ramon Cantres ommissioner Gena Abraham wel- Bennie Conley comed 22 newly-certified Thomas Davis CHighway Emergency Response Randy Smith Operators to the Georgia DOT Road Warrior during the 2007 HERO Graduation Award Marcus Bennett Ceremony, praising them for their commitment to ensuring the safety of the Leadership Award traveling public and for their role in Girard White relieving congestion along the state's busy Appreciation highways. Award Margaret Johnson “I have an enormous appreciation for the work you do, and I just want to thank Honorary HERO Marvin Woodward you for serving as our first responders to people who call on you every day,” said 2007 HERO Director of Operations, Steve Henry (right) presents Commissioner Abraham, noting that Graduates Marcus Bennett a Road Warrior Award for his John Anderson HEROs have been called to do everything exemplary work. Michael Basemore from change flat tires to assist in delivering Antonio Belcher Odell Bryant newborns. “You are the face of the Georgia leadership, maintenance and safety. “We Patrick Dudley DOT that the public sees and meets, and have an extraordinary group of employees Eric Harris Johnny Harris you consistently do an outstanding job in who put their lives on the line every day in Robert Hay representing us.” doing their jobs,” says Director of Bert Hutchinson Operations Steve Henry. “In addition to Corey Jackson In addition to awarding graduation cer- Steven Jones tificates, Georgia DOT leadership used the earning these awards, they have earned the Chris Middleton ceremony to honor employees for their respect of the public which has come to rely Aubrey Mitchell Elnora Redd exemplary work throughout the year. on them on our highways. We are extremely Perseil Tranium HEROs were recognized in the areas of proud of the work they do.” Harold Tucker Fernodor Walker Robert Willis Rebecca Wyatt New Cable Barriers in Georgia

ross-median crashes pose a driving environment on our roads,” installation along both routes is fall significant hazard for motorists said Commissioner Abraham. “The 2008. Cin Georgia and throughout the cable barriers in particular should help Georgia DOT maintains 18,000 country. In a continual effort to pro- prevent accidents where vehicles might state highways and interstates miles or vide the safest roadways, the Georgia leave their side of the road, cross the 15.5 percent of the 116,000 miles of Department of Transportation has median and strike oncoming traffic.” public roads in Georgia. These state begun installing cable barriers at select- Two contracts were awarded to highways and interstates carry 63 per- ed state roadways this year. Nationwide Fence & Supply Company, cent of the total vehicle miles travelled Commissioner Gena Abraham of Chesterfield, Michigan totaling $6.1 statewide. Thanks to the dedication of announced that $26 million has been million for construction of cable barri- Georgia DOT employees, Georgia's awarded for cable barriers and bridge ers on I-985 in Hall County and GA highways have consistently been rated replacements throughout Georgia. 400 in Gwinnett County. among the nation's best maintained “These projects continue the Georgia highways. DOT's mission to maintain a safe The completion date for cable barrier

3 SPRING 2008 GEORGIA MILEPOST GPTQ '07: Focus on Innovation and Quality

By Lillian Jackson

ach winter, the 15 member teams that constantly explore agencies and associations of the ways to streamline and EGeorgia Partnership for improve the way the Transportation (GPTQ) host the Department and its partners GPTQ Workshop on the campus of work to cooperatively achieve the University of Georgia. With the on-time, quality project goal of ensuring a quality transporta- delivery. These teams tion infrastructure for the traveling presented their respective public, the annual Workshop agenda is reports on this year's developed to meet the challenges of achievements and goals for State Transportation Board member Raybon Anderson Georgia DOT's consultants, contrac- the coming year. (left) presents award to E.R. Snell Contractor, Inc. tors and other partners. The Awards Ceremony for overall excellence in Work Zone Safety. This year's Workshop provided 700 at this year's Workshop pro- attendees two days of learning and net- vided deserved recognition for several A sample of the topics presented at working opportunities, including 30 outstanding design and construction GPTQ 2007 include: PDP Changes sessions that presented current and projects and a select few that were and Constructability Review; NEPA future tools and techniques; case stud- exemplary for their work zone safety 101 for Engineers and Construction ies of innovative, “out of the box” practices and procedures. The Contractors; Managed Lanes in solutions; and summaries of new and Ceremony also included presentations Georgia; and Work Zone Safety and updated federal and state guidelines of the 2007 NPHQ Achievement Mobility Rule Update/Section 150 and specifications. Award for the 5th Street Bridge Specifications Changes. To view Guided by the theme “Innovation Pedestrian Bridge Project and the QBS some of the presentations and more and Quality = On-Time Project Georgia Achievement Award and information, please visit www.gptq.com Delivery,” Workshop attendees were ACEC National Grand QBS Award to or Georgia DOT's Web site at reminded that the GPTQ is a year- the Georgia DOT Office of Program www.dot.ga.gov. round initiative guided by several Delivery and Consultant Design. State Transportation Board Honors Wayne Shackelford

By Carla Murphy

he State Transportation Board projects such as the I-85/Georgia 316 recently urged state legislators interchange possible. Tto honor former Georgia The Board lauded Mr. Shackelford's DOT Commissioner Wayne exemplary leadership as Commissioner Shackelford by naming the Interstate and for serving as the catalyst for 85 and Georgia Highway 316 Georgia DOT's implementation of an Interchange in Gwinnett County the Intelligent Transportation System prior “Wayne Shackelford Interchange.” to the 1996 Centennial Olympic The Board made the request as Games. Additionally, board members they recognized the former commis- Former Georgia DOT Commissioner Wayne praised his leadership of the sioner with a resolution at the State Schackelford, his wife Anna, and State Southeastern Association of State Board meeting this fall. Transportation Board member Dana Lemon. Highway and Transportation Officials Mr. Shackelford, who led the (SASHTO) and the American whelmed by the recognition.” He also Department from 1991 to 2000, told Association of State Highway and praised Georgia DOT's partnership the Board, “I am humbled and over- Transportation Officials (AASHTO). with local communities that make

GEORGIA MILEPOST SPRING 2008 4 Q& A

with Commissioner Abraham

By Carla Murphy

ena L. Abraham assumed the leadership of the opportunities for alternative Georgia Department of Transportation in financing will require us to GDecember, becoming the first woman to hold the think outside the box. state's top transportation post. As Commissioner, she oversees 5,800 employees statewide and an annual budget Q: We also understand that customer service — of over $2 billion. internal and external — will be an area of focus. What specific initiatives do you foresee and what In her first interview for the Milepost, Commissioner do you hope to achieve in this area? Abraham responded to a series of questions about priorities for the Department and the areas on which she plans to A: Customer service is one of my priority areas, and focus as the new Commissioner. I've already directed that responses to calls and emails will be made in one day, and that we all work to go the extra mile to answer questions. In addition, our Q: If you were to give a report on your first 60 days Web site now includes a “How's My Service?” as Commissioner, what would be the top three or option so that our customers can evaluate employee four items that have either challenged you most or responsiveness and knowledge. And to address the pleased you most? concerns of two of our key customers, we'll establish A: The item that has challenged me most is funding, new processes to pay our contractors and consultants funding and funding. I've also found that our promptly. What I hope to achieve is a culture Department is challenged by a lack of process and where responsiveness, initiative and helpfulness procedure checks and balances in some areas, which are a priority… and I want us to win the state's Best compromises accountability. Agency customer service award in the very near future! The positive things are the Department's great staff, the tremendous dedication of our employees, and a Q: We know that this is a critical time for Georgia great Transportation Board. DOT — with congestion in metro Atlanta and the funding shortfall for road construction and Q: You have identified several areas — three in maintenance. Where do you begin to tackle those particular — on which we will focus as a challenges? Department. What can employees and our A: The reality is that there are many more transportation stakeholders expect immediately in terms of needs in Georgia than our funding will cover. Given improvement in those three areas? We can take them one at a time: improving project delivery; working toward a statewide transportation plan with our partners and exploring opportunities for alternative financing. A: To improve project delivery, I foresee a new Project Management Group to manage projects from start to end and a focus on new contracts for improved accountability. Work on the SWTP will mean increased cooperation and co-optation with our transportation partners. Exploring and securing Commissioner Abraham and Susanne Sitherwood served as panelists for the Airport Area Chamber of Commerce

5 SPRING 2008 GEORGIA MILEPOST “Women Take Charge” luncheon. Airport Area Chamber of Commerce President Bob Wilson; 2007 Chamber President Shelley Lamar; President of Atlanta Gas Light, Florida City Gas and Chattanooga Gas Suzanne Sitherwood; and Commissioner Gena Abraham participate in the "Women Taking Charge" luncheon at the Georgia International Convention Center.

the tremendous growth of the state, traffic congestion Q: With so many “irons in the transportation pot,” is inevitable, even as we encourage the use of modes how do you foresee Georgia DOT positioned in other than SOV commutes. The Governor's visionary the future of transportation in the state? Fast Forward program addressed congestion from a A: I see the Department at the forefront, leading the way holistic perspective, but we are still challenged by for much-needed transportation reform. delayed travel times during peak hours. We will take one bite at a time — both the funding and congestion Q: Is there anything that I did not ask you about that issues are the big elephants for us. We will take small you would like to share with our employees, steps and work on small successes. retirees, and stakeholders? Q: Since assuming your position, you've often A: The most important thing that I focus on is “doing mentioned the high caliber of our employees. As the right thing.” It's sometimes the most difficult we move forward with new leadership, is there a part, but it's what we should do. I will be honest, message you want to share with employees about transparent and tell you exactly what is going on in your vision, expectations and management style? the Department. A: I want Georgia DOT to be the best in the country, more streamlined, more efficient, better able to achieve its core objectives. To achieve that, I expect everyone to work hard and give a full eight hours of work for a full eight hours' pay. As we go through Favorite book: Good to Great by Jim Collins this transitional phase together, we may need to tweak Greatest accomplishment thus far: Being a parent. some of the policies and procedures that impact your daily work. I ask that you think outside the box with Best advice you ever received from your parents: me as we transform into a more efficient agency. I Never stop trying and go after what you want value each employee as a resource of information to regardless of the obstacles. help me make improvements. I'll never ask you to do Favorite way to spend a Saturday: At the lake, something that I wouldn't do myself. My working on the lake house or skiing and wake- management style is pretty straight-forward: I analyze boarding with my family. information and scenarios and say what I think should Pet peeve: People chomping on ice or smacking happen. Between your experience and mine, we should while they eat. be able to achieve our goals while maintaining total accountability, ethical behavior, and outstanding customer service.

GEORGIA MILEPOST SPRING 2008 6 14th Street Bridge and Connector Undergo Facelift

By Melany Reynolds

he Midtown community soon will have the Georgia TDepartment of Transportation to thank for design improvements and congestion relief when the 14th Street Bridge is rebuilt and two exit ramps are added to the Connector. For motorists who work in Midtown, where some of Atlanta's largest employers are located, 14th Street is a major thoroughfare. Motorists began witnessing changes in their commute when three lanes on Williams Street were reduced last fall. “We are diligently working on this Georgia DOT reminded motorists of road closures and detours related to the project and making great progress,” construction projects in the Downtown Connector corridor, including the replacement said Metro Atlanta District of the 14th Street Bridge (above). Construction Engineer Mickey McGee. “It is very important for the traveling modifications will result in improved Additionally, lanes in the area between public to use commute alternatives motorist and pedestrian safety. Courtland Street and 10th Street will now to help avoid delays.” According to McGee, “This work receive a measure of deep milling. This The planned improvements consist will have a huge impact on the public. work is taking place during nights and of replacing the 14th Street Bridge over In a perfect world, reducing the num- weekends and will wrap up in late fall. Interstate 75/85 and installing exit ber of cars that come into the area by Meanwhile, the Department's ramps from the Connector southbound 30 percent would be ideal. A 10 per- Communications Office has to 10th Street and northbound to 17th cent reduction will be absolutely neces- developed a comprehensive campaign Street. In addition to congestion relief sary to avoid complete gridlock.” to give motorists ample notification at the 14th Street interchange, the To accommodate the utility work and information related to the project. currently underway, traffic on the Continued on page 8 downtown Connector was paced and shifted. Techwood Drive has been closed to traffic from 10th Street to 16th Street. The roadway will reopen 14th Street Improvement by summer 2009. Another notewor- thy event taking place has been the Project closing of the 14th Street Bridge. The Project Scope project is scheduled to be completed in May 2010. • Project will consist of replacing The Department also awarded the the 14th Street Bridge over Interstate 75/85. contract to complete the Downtown Connector resurface project. Crews • Bridge improvements to include began resurfacing 4.72 miles between two new exit ramps from the University Avenue and the Brookwood Connector southbound to 10th Interchange this spring. All travel Street and northbound to 17th The 14th Street Bridge reconstruction will lanes both northbound and south- Street to relieve congestion on improve motorist and pedestrian safety. bound will be resurfaced. exit ramps.

7 SPRING 2008 GEORGIA MILEPOST Georgia DOT Employees Honored 14th Street Bridge - for State Charitable Contributions Continued

eorgia DOT coordinators for Governor's Cup – the highest award – Karlene Barron, Communications the State Charitable in the same category of “highest contri- Administrator said, “We have GContributions Program bution per employee.” covered the gamut with our (SCCP) accepted the State Personnel The State Charitable Contributions communications efforts in order Board Commissioner's Award – the Program offers state employees an to reach a broad audience. We second highest honor given to state opportunity to give annually to thou- have a commitment to employees agencies – for their participation in the sands of Georgia families and more and the motoring public to get program. Georgia DOT employees than 1,200 non-profit organizations. the word out so that we can pro- contributed more than $173,200 to Other SCCP coordinators (not pic- mote safety among workers and charities in the 2007-2008 campaign. tured) are: Carrie Hart, Gloria Curtis, motorists and reduce frustration.” Georgia DOT coordinators accepted Renee Mays, Nanette Morgan, Kathryn According to Barron, the the Commissioner’s Award at a lunch- Grace, Anita Henson, Angela Taylor, information is being disseminated eon featuring Lieutenant Governor Wanda Collier, Chantay Nettles, through various media, including Casey Cagle and State Personnel Elizabeth Ann Willis, Darlene radio, television, print and inter- Administration Commissioner Steve Williams-Lynah, Linda Capaccio, Julie active advertising. Information on Stevenson. They were praised for their Kenneweg, Tracy Winsky, Judith the Georgia DOT Web site also participation, particularly their coordi- Malone, Hester Sturrock, Cindy is updated regularly. nation of contributions in support of Christian, Patricia Perry, Carol Jacobs, With the move of the hundreds of Georgia charities. Georgia Helene Nickey, Kim Coley, Ana Department's general and DOT and Georgia State University Ammons, Jacquelyn Walker, Brandi additional offices to One Georgia shared runner-up honors in the Martin, Lew Walker, Barbara Thomas, Center this spring and summer, category for agencies with 1001 to Elaine Cooper, Brenda Howard, Georgia DOT employees have 9000 employees. Georgia Institute of Glenda Stephens, Damon Carr, Debra been directly affected by this Technology employees received the Hill and Floyd Smith. work. Workers who have moved to the new office space have easy access to the nearby North Avenue MARTA Station, while others may consider carpooling, vanpooling or perhaps biking to work. Additional resources are avail- able to motorists to help efficient- ly plan their commutes. The Georgia NaviGator Web site posts real time construction, lane clo- sures and traffic incident informa- tion statewide; and motorists may register to receive updates via email or PDA for free. Travelers also may utilize the 511 phone Georgia DOT General Office employees serving as 2007-2008 SCCP coordinators service to get traffic information pictured with DOT Commissioner Gena Abraham are from the left: Jennifer Harris- 24 hours a day, seven days a Dunham, Care Whitmore, Carolyn Patterson, Don LaFrenier, Sheila Allen, Glenda week. Campbell, Nancy Bolen, Donna Shaw, Linda Shivers, Virginia Bond, Brendalyn Ellis, Commissioner Abraham, Bruce Brumbalow, Amelia Craig, Albert Smith, Denise Spence, Vivian Hood, Sheila Smith, Sharon Loper, Patricia Johnson, Sonya Isom and Gwendolyn Dudley.

GEORGIA MILEPOST SPRING 2008 8 Finding USS Water Witch By Crystal Paulk-Buchanan

survey mission in South On the night of June 3, 1864 the tion on Whitfield Avenue on the east America, a Civil War naval Water Witch, with a crew of 65, was side of Savannah. The Harry S. Truman A battle and a Georgia captured by a boat force of 120 mem- Parkway will run two miles and Department of Transportation bridge bers of the Confederate Navy who had includes parallel bridges over the construction project may not initially been guided to the vessel by African Wilshire Canal, Vernon River and asso- seem to have very much in common. American pilot Moses Dallas. Although ciated marsh. The expected cost is $86 Recently, these historic and modern the Confederate force was successful, million and the first phase should be let events converged with the discovery of a their victory came with a critical loss of in summer 2008. sunken vessel lost for nearly 150 years nine men including Dallas. Without the “Career wise this definitely ranks at in the muddy depths of the Vernon pilot's expert knowledge the ship ran the top for me. From day one this River near Savannah. aground as it began maneuvering up the project was surrounded by an air of In 2007, Georgia DOT was alerted Vernon River towards Vernonburg. Six excitement,” Pomfret said. “Although to the possibility that a planned project months later, with General William historical documents indicated that the in Chatham County was in the vicinity Sherman approaching from the west, ship was likely outside the project of one of the more storied ship wrecks the unit commander ordered the ship to corridor, we received permission to add amid thousands of military and civilian be stripped of all salvageable equip- a couple of extra miles to the underwa- boats to have vanished off the water- ment, burned and abandoned in the ter survey to see if we could find the ways and coast of Georgia. Vernon River. ship and our guess paid off.” Built in 1851 by the U.S. Navy, the Georgia DOT archaeologist Water Witch was part of an extended Jim Pomfret said he was immedi- exploration along the Atlantic Coast of ately fascinated by the ship's the southern portion of South America, rich history and felt that the including rivers in Paraguay, Argentina, Department's participation in and Uruguay. When the Civil War the search fit perfectly in its began in 1860, she served in the South environmental stewardship phi- Atlantic Blockading Squadron, and was losophy. Pomfret is lead archae- primarily stationed in Ossabaw Sound – ologist for the project in about 15 miles due south of Savannah. Savannah that will tie SR 204/ Abercorn Street to a new loca- Harry Pecorelli reviews sonar detection. 9 SPRING 2008 GEORGIA MILEPOST In late October 2007, Pomfret mentary on the discovery. Civil War joined a team of archaeologists and his- history and documentary films are my torians that included Georgia DOT his- passion.” torian Chad Carlson, Georgia DNR's The search for the Water Witch David Crass and Chris McCabe, under- developed into a unique Memoran- water survey contractor Gordon Watts dum of Understanding (MOU) with divers Harry Pecorelli and Steve between Georgia DOT, Federal Howard, hoping to locate the Water Highway Administration (FHWA), Witch. Using a combination of high Georgia DNR and the Civil War tech equipment, radar, and low tech, an Naval Museum in Columbus. The aluminum probe, the team discovered a MOU provides a structure for the debris field buried beneath nearly 20 agencies and museum to work togeth- feet of sticky black mud. When er and outlines a strategy for scientific Pecorelli thrust the probe into the muck research as well as public education. Divers search the murky Vernon River for a he struck iron and then wood — strong Georgia DNR state archaeologist vessel sunk during the Civil War. signs that they had found the missing David Crass said he believes the pro- ship. Also, they compared the site coor- ject can serve as a model for interagency potential for a Transportation dinates to a survey map completed after cooperation. Establishing the frame- Enhancement Award or other possible the Civil War in 1865 that matches the work (the MOU), keeping open lines grants to fund further investigation and location of the Water Witch to the of communication, and working interpretation. debris field. constructively and jointly with the “The bottom line in all of this is “In all of my years in archaeology media as appropriate are three very that Georgia DOT and DNR have a this is the first time I've actually seen X strong keystones to the success so far great working relationship within the mark the spot,” said Watts, who has in this project.” regulatory framework of Section 106 of Crass stressed that pin- the National Historic Preservation Act,” pointing the location of the he said. “What we are trying to do here wreck is only the first step from my perspective is leverage that in a long process. For one relationship which already exists and thing, the wreck is buried use it to support a Civil War research under more than 15 feet of and education effort that will directly mud in a stretch of water benefit multiple audiences in Georgia, where the tide can rise and from heritage tourists to local schools. fall more than 25 feet in the The Water Witch project has enormous morning and afternoon. potential. I'm very confident based on Tidewater Atlantic Research surveys the Vernon River. While this factor has likely the relationship that we have developed been an underwater archaeologist for protected any artifacts from deteriora- an ongoing partnership that would vast- more than 20 years and participated in tion by the elements or discovery by ly increase the odds of realizing that recovery dives on the Civil War era CSS looters, it poses a significant challenge potential.” Alabama off the coast of France. to archaeologists hoping to excavate the Any artifacts raised from the vessel Carlson, who filmed the search and site. He said he will meet with officials will likely be housed at the Civil War is producing an educational film about at the Georgia DOT and the Federal Naval Museum, which coincidently is the find, echoed the team's excitement. Highway Administration to discuss the planning to build a full scale replica of “I would say that it is the kind of pro- the 160 foot long wooden hulled, side ject that I would have dreamed about wheel steamer to be located in the front participating in grad school,” he said. of the museum and visible from Victory “I was lucky enough that this Drive. project happened to fall into The museum currently houses the my lap – since we (Georgia only known artifacts salvaged from the DOT) have four other histori- Water Witch before it was burned — ans. And I had the wonderful the ship's original bell and one of its opportunity to make a docu- flags.

GEORGIA MILEPOST SPRING 2008 10 New Members Elected to State Transportation Board

By Jeff Armstrong

Steve Farrow Johnny Floyd Emory McClinton Raybon Anderson Dana Lemon

hree State Transportation Democrat. He served as Chairman of tation Board's Consultant Services, Board members were re-elected the Senate Ethics Committee, Vice Equal Access, Highway Contractors, and two received their first Chairman of the Senate Finance and Intermodal and Legislative committees. T Public Utilities Committee and Vice appointment to the Board by a caucus Mr. Anderson thanked the 12th of state representatives and senators Chairman of the Senate Higher District legislators, saying, “We have Education Committee. He also served from their respective districts. lots of work to do and I'll do my best; as a member of the Senate Judiciary Representative Johnny Floyd of I pledge to move transportation Committee and the Senate Public forward.” Crisp County was elected to the State Safety Committee. Dana Lemon of Clayton County Transportation Board from the 2nd Emory McClinton of Fulton was re-elected to the State Transpor- Congressional District. Representative County was re-elected to serve a tation Board from the 13th Floyd replaces Board member W.P. fourth five-year term on the State Congressional District. This is the “Billy” Langdale of Valdosta, who Transportation Board from the 5th second term on the Board for Ms. decided not to seek re-election after 20 Congressional District. Lemon, who was first elected in 2003. years of service. Mr. McClinton was first elected to Ms. Lemon serves on the Board's A native of Cordele, Mr. Floyd had the board in 1993. He served as Consultant Services, Equal Access, served on the Georgia House of Chairman from April 2001 to April Finance, Intermodal and Public-Private Representatives since 1989 and was 2002 and as Vice Chairman from April Initiatives committees. She has been Vice Chairman of the House 2000 to April 2001. instrumental in the prioritization of Transportation Committee. He also In thanking the 5th District legisla- major projects within her district and is was a member of the Appropriations, tors, McClinton said the Board will an advocate of alternative transporta- Banks & Banking and Motor Vehicles work to mitigate traffic congestion and tion modes in Georgia. committees. Mr. Floyd retired from the promised “a year of progress.” He pro- The Georgia Department of Legislature after the 2008 session and moted a Multi-Modal Transit Center in Transportation is governed by the State began serving a full five-year term on downtown Atlanta that will “bring a Transportation Board. Its 13 members, the Board in April. new level of economic development.” representing each of the state's Attorney Steve Farrow was elected Mr. McClinton serves on the Congressional Districts, exercise gener- to the State Transportation Board of Board's Equal Access, Intermodal and al control and supervision of the Georgia by a caucus of state representa- Georgia DOT Overview committees. Department. Each member serves a tives and senators from the 9th He also represents the Board on the five-year term and the terms are Congressional District. Mr. Farrow Atlanta Regional Commission. staggered. Board members are elected replaces former Board member Mike Additionally, Raybon Anderson of by the state representatives and senators Evans of Cumming, who resigned in Statesboro was re-elected to a five-year whose state districts fall within the April. term on the State Transportation Board Mr. Farrow, a Dalton native, served Congressional District. two terms in the State Senate as a from the 12th Congressional District. He serves on the State Transpor-

11 SPRING 2008 GEORGIA MILEPOST Exploring Georgia’s Scenic Byways

By Laurie Scott

nterstate-185 and Warren Board member Raybon Anderson of County-Piedmont Scenic Byway Statesboro, representing Congressional IExtension are the latest Scenic District 12, presented the resolution to Byways approved by the State the Board. “I am pleased that my dis- Transportation Board. trict is able to do its part in preserving Interstate-185 qualified for the the natural beauty of Georgia,” he said. Scenic Byway designation due to its The route was once part of the old scenic qualities. Board member Sam Native American Okfuskee Trail, which Wellborn of Columbus, representing connected what is now Augusta with the Mississippi River. Congressional District 3, presented Callaway Gardens is located 6.5 miles from the the resolution to the Board. “This I-185 Scenic Byway. The Warren-County Piedmont took the efforts of many people such Scenic Byway has been featured twice as the Keep Columbus Beautiful of scenic roads, natural areas, cultural on the Tour de Georgia bicycle race Commission to make this happen; I and historic sites. Callaway Gardens route. Visitors have many choices for appreciate the hard work and support (6.5 miles from the byway) is a 14,000- recreation such as cycling, golfing, for getting this resolution passed,” acre woodland and display garden, boating, fishing, hunting, camping, Wellborn said. resort, and preserve attracting thou- hiking, and equine activities. sands of visitors annually from around the world. The 23-mile Pine Mountain Trail in Franklin Delano Roosevelt State Park (9 miles from the scenic byway) is a scenic hike which winds through a mix of hardwoods, pines and waterfalls.

Northern view of the I-185 Scenic Byway The Warren-County Piedmont Scenic Byway Extension is a 15-mile Historic church along State Route 16 in The I-185 Scenic Byway is a 39- downtown Warrenton mile route that begins at Interstate 85 route that begins at the Hancock in Troup County and passes through County line at Jewell and continues A Georgia Scenic Byway is defined Harris County and northern Muscogee east on State Route 16 to the City of as any designated highway, street, road County. It ends at Ft. Benning, near Warrenton. The byway passes through or route that possesses qualities that are Columbus, Georgia. a wildlife management area, farmland, natural, scenic, recreational, cultural, The purpose of the I-185 Scenic rivers, and historic properties. It serves historic or archaeological. Byway designation is to protect the as a continuation of the Historic The benefits of the designation existing scenic qualities of the route Piedmont Scenic Byway (located in include increased tourism; placement and to provide information about the Putnam and Hancock counties). of the byway on state maps and travel rich, cultural and natural attractions in magazines; and access to state, federal the vicinity of I-185. The byway desig- and private funding sources for pro- nation also ensures that billboards will jects. To obtain the designation, a local not be allowed along the route. sponsor must complete a multi-stage The overpass highway bridges that process that includes identifying the are varied by architecture and the miles route; submitting an application that of mixed pine and hardwood forests are develops a Corridor Management Plan among the attractions of the I-185 (CMP) and receiving approval of the Scenic Byway. State Transportation Board. For more information on Scenic Byways, please Beyond the designated route of the Scenic view along SR 16 at the Warren- I-185 Scenic Byway is a rich network Hancock County line. visit www.byways.org.

GEORGIA MILEPOST SPRING 2008 12 Making HEADLINES

Clark Named Chief Operating Officer

evin Clark was appointed by In 2003, as former Director of GSFIC's Commissioner Gena Abraham to Construction Division, Dr. Abraham named K serve the Department in a newly- Clark Director of Special Projects for created position as Chief Operating Officer, GSFIC's Construction Division, and subse- effective March 3, 2008. For the past quently, he served as Deputy Director. six months, Clark served as Interim State Throughout Clark's career, he has con- Property Officer and was responsible for tributed to and participated in the success of leading the Georgia Business Authority and the construction of some of the largest pro- State Properties Commission. Prior to that jects in the State of Georgia. These projects position, Clark was appointed by Governor include the Georgia Dome, Philips Arena, Perdue to serve as Executive Director of the Lake Lanier and Centennial Olympic Park. Islands Development Authority. Clark received his bachelor's degree from the In 1988, Clark joined the Georgia State Financing University of North Carolina at Asheville, and later pur- and Investment Commission (GSFIC) as a project man- sued a law degree from the John Marshall Law School in ager for the Construction Division. After ten years of Atlanta while working at GSFIC. He also received his service, he returned to the private sector to pursue other Juris Doctorate and is an active member of the State Bar opportunities. of Georgia.

Chance Appointed Special Advisor to Commissioner

oAnn T. Chance was appointed by Development); and as Director of Finance and Commissioner Gena Abraham to Administration at the Department of Jserve as Special Advisor to the Corrections. Commissioner, effective March 1, 2008. Additionally, Chance has served in For the past five years, Chance served as various finance and budget capacities at the Chief Financial Officer at the Georgia Governor's Office of Planning and Budget and Building Authority and State Property at the Department of Human Resources dur- Commission, with the last two of those years ing her 30-plus years with the State of under the direction of Commissioner Georgia. Abraham. Prior to that position, Chance As Special Advisor to the Commissioner, helped establish the Department of Motor Vehicle Chance will concentrate on budgetary and financial sys- Services and then served as the Director of the tems, procedures and issues. Chance received her Administration Division. Chance also has served as Bachelor's degree from Georgia State University. She Director of Finance at the Department of Industry, Trade lives in Gwinnett County and has one grown son. and Tourism (currently the Department of Economic

13 SPRING 2008 GEORGIA MILEPOST Davis Named Division Director for Office of Communications

By Carla Murphy

eteran state employee Ericka Justice. She also worked in Child Protective Services for Davis has been named the Department of Family and Children Services. V Division Director for the Davis is a graduate of the University of Georgia, where Office of Communications. She is the she earned a Bachelor's of Arts degree in English. former Communications Director for Additionally, she holds a Master's degree in Technical three state agencies: the Georgia State Communication from Southern Polytechnic State Financing and Investment Commission, University. In 2003, Davis was selected for the 2003 Class the Georgia Building Authority and the State Properties of the Regional Leadership Institute by the Atlanta Regional Commission. Commission. In 2004, she won the National Association Davis brings to the Georgia DOT 15 years of experi- of Government Communicator's Award of Excellence ence in state government, including a stint as Director of for Writing. Public Affairs for the Georgia Department of Juvenile

Thomas Named Division Director of Office of Planning, Data and Intermodal Development

By Carla Murphy

ichael L. Thomas has been developing and implementing transit, port, freight and pas- appointed Division Director senger rail opportunities. M for the Georgia Department With more than 24 years of experience with the Georgia of Transportation's Office of Planning, DOT, Thomas has held various positions with the Data and Intermodal Development, Department. Prior to being named Division Director, he where he manages the statewide trans- served as District Engineer for District Two for 10 years, portation planning process and the col- overseeing transportation activities in Eastern Middle lection and sharing of transportation data, including vehicle Georgia. volumes and the state route network. Thomas attended Middle Georgia College and is a Additionally, his office is responsible for researching, graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Collins Leads District Two Office in Tennille

By Cissy McNure

nthony “Tony” Collins has with a degree in Civil Engineering Technology, he worked been tapped to lead the in Road Design in Georgia DOT's Atlanta General Office A Georgia DOT District Two and has held various engineering positions with the Office. Collins serves as the District Department. The most recent was District Preconstruction Engineer for the Office in Tennile, Engineer/Assistant District Engineer in Jesup. replacing Mike Thomas. As District Two District Engineer, Collins is responsible Collins began his career with the for planning, organizing and directing the activities at the Department in June of 1983 as a co-op student in the local level. The Tennile District employs 600 people and Waycross Area Office. After graduating from Southern Tech serves 28 counties.

GEORGIA MILEPOST SPRING 2008 14 14th Street Bridge Improvement Project

This Spring, the 14th Street Bridge was closed to traffic in late May. The bridge will be replaced and will reopen in the summer of 2010. Meanwhile, motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes when traveling in the Midtown area.

15 WINTER 2008 GEORGIA MILEPOST