Gwinnett Daily Post

LAWRENCEVILLE - Still hoping to receive stimulus funds for transportation despite its status as a nonqualified government, Gwinnett officials will consider final steps for projects to build bridges over the interstate.

At a session Tuesday, commissioners will consider $236,446 in environmental mitigation credits - one of the last steps before construction - for the rebuilding of the Ga. Highway 324 bridge replacement and McGinnis Ferry extension project.

Officials have applied for $13 million in stimulus funds for the Ga. 324 bridge over I-85. County contractors have already widened stretches of the highway on both sides of the bridge to four lanes, but the bridge replacement was delayed because of funding issues with the state.

The McGinnis Ferry Road extension, which would continue the route over I-85 to connect with Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road south of Old Peachtree, would take $25 million in stimulus funds.

A Georgia Department of Community Affairs official has said the county is not eligible for stimulus funds because it lost its qualified local government status because a service delivery strategy with the cities is not complete. But officials are hoping a judge set to mediate the case will stop the state sanctions.

SideBar: If you go

What: Board of Commissioners meeting

When: 10 a.m. work session, 2 p.m. business session Tuesday

Where: Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville