DOT outlines amended $2.3 billion boost, highlights I‑16, I‑95 and SR‑96 projects

An unidentified Georgia Department of Transportation commissioner told the Joint Subcommittee on Transportation Appropriations that the governor’s amended FY‑26 recommendation adds roughly $2.3 billion in state funding to the department’s budget, money the agency plans to use for capital projects, local roads and storm recovery. The presentation was given to the Subcommittee on Transportation Appropriations, convened jointly with the Transportation Policy Committee, and chaired by John LaHood.

The commissioner said the amended budget includes a $593 million capital construction bucket that has already helped advance dozens of previously delayed projects, a $500 million freight program, $250 million for a local roads administration (LMIGLOC) account that removes the statutory match requirement for local governments, and a $100 million rural bridge replacement allotment. He also cited roughly $100 million dedicated to maintenance for hurricane cleanup and recovery following recent storms.

Why it matters: the presenter said construction costs have risen far faster than available state funds, forcing DOT to cascade project schedules. "Just simple resurfacing a two‑lane road has increased in cost by 51%," the commissioner said, and added that the department must sometimes move a project out of the current fiscal year because of constrained buying power.

Officials linked specific investments to statewide priorities. The presentation named three large projects anticipated for bidding this calendar year: a roughly $516 million package to widen about 31 miles of I‑16; a roughly $74 million widening on I‑95 toward the South Carolina line; and a roughly $135 million final segment of State Route 96 including a major river crossing. The commissioner said those projects are tied to freight movement and were a key reason the freight program lags other outlays (those projects require complex work and right‑of‑way or environmental work).

On local funding, the commissioner described LMIGLOC as a rapid‑distribution program to get resurfacing and maintenance dollars to cities and counties without the usual local match. He said the portal would open “as soon as the budget is passed and then shut it off,” enabling fast commitment of funds.

The presentation also covered storm response and reimbursements: the commissioner reported about $48 million in FEMA reimbursements to date related to recent hurricane cleanup work and said the $100 million maintenance set‑aside was important to avoid further operational damage.

Committee members asked for clarifications about express‑lane financing and resurfacing demand; the commissioner said the $1.8 billion figure discussed for express‑lane work was intended as initial seed funding and that construction costs beyond that would likely be financed through a combination of federal grants, toll revenue bonds or other financing instruments. The subcommittee did not take any formal votes during the session and adjourned after the presentations.

The DOT presentation materials remain available to committee staff, and department officials said they would be available for follow‑up questions from members.