The widening of GA-17 from the Hayestone Brady Business Park to I-85 is a high priority for both the Georgia Department of Transportation and Toccoa-Stephens County officials. In a meeting with the new GDOT Commissioner Vance Smith, new Planning Director Todd Long, and Board Chairman Bill Kuhlke, a delegation from Toccoa-Stephens County, joined by Senator Jim Butterworth and Representative Michael Harden, learned that the acquisition of the rights-of-way for the widening of GA-17 from Scott Road south to the county line is progressing well past the 50% mark. The acquisition is expected to be completed by the summer of 2010. The funding and construction schedule for the project will be identified after the rights-of-way are in hand but are expected to follow closely behind. Continue reading “Sen. Butterworth and Toccoa-Stephens County Leadership Meets With New GDOT Commissioner”