Decatur County is making its way through a long list of Transportation Special Purpose Local Options Sale Tax (TSPLOST) and Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG) projects.

A resurfacing of Martin Road, which stretches for two miles between State Route 97 and State Route 311, was recently completed and is awaiting striping. Watauga Road, from State Route 262 to the county line, had its 2.2 miles leveled and its top replacement was just wrapped up this week. But projects are funded by TSPLOST for a total of $526,665.54.

The final projects on the 2019 LMIG list are the leveling and resurfacing of Bell Dixon Road, a 1.2-mile stretch from State Route 262 to the county line, Woodhull Road, from Lake Douglas Road to Hwy. 27, and Kelley Road, from Butler Ferry Road to U.S. 84.

Funds for the 2020 LMIG have been applied for and Decatur County is awaiting the more than $832,000 grant to begin those projects next on the list.

Betts Community Road, Porter Mitchell Road, Oak Ridge Lane, River Ridge Drive, Bert Phillips Road, Bunny Lane and Kelly Lane are all on the 2020 LMIG list.

Decatur County Administrator Alan Thomas added that TSPLOST funds will be blended into these projects if and when it is necessary.

“We also have deeds now for right of acquisition of Sharber Road,” said Thomas. “We will begin that process here pretty shortly. That project in its entirety is a TSPLOST project, so it will be underway as soon as we acquire that right of way.”

Decatur County Public Works Director Dennis Medley made clear that safety was of the highest priority when resurfacing roads in the August and September heat.

“That asphalt is coming out at 325 degrees,” said Medley. “We provide (our employees) with water and Gatorade. Safety is the biggest part of our job out there. Making sure everybody is safe, staying hydrated.”