Mayor Andre Dickens is doubling down on the commitment to bolster Atlanta's infrastructure through two new major investments that aim to enhance the city's water treatment capabilities and upgrade a key roadway. In a legislative move that underscores the Moving Atlanta Forward agenda's City Built for the Future pillar, these infrastructure projects are set to modernize Atlanta in critical areas.
An ordinance, backed by Councilmember Dusin Hillis, proposes a significant financial injection of $13,774,270 for improvements to the Chattahoochee Water Treatment Plant. The funds will address the replacement of four pivotal pumps, revitalize the plant's former pumping prowess, and usher in an era of improved equipment efficiency and performance, and this includes an eco-friendlier approach, which is expected to result in better energy usage according to details provided by the City of Atlanta's official announcement.
Furthering the city's infrastructure investment, Councilmember Andrea L. Boone is championing a $33.2 million project aimed at transforming Fairburn Road. The project, which extends from the Atlanta city limits to Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, will include comprehensive enhancements such as resurfacing the street, adding bike lanes and shared-use paths, and upgrading signals and intersections. Additional improvements will include new curbs, sidewalks, landscaping, and crucial drainage upgrades, as mentioned in the official press release.
In a statement, Mayor Dickens expressed his belief in the transformative power of infrastructure investment, affirming that "Investments in our infrastructure are always worth every penny—whether above ground or below. From ensuring our city is water resilient to having safe, connected streets that reflect a community’s pride, these are funds well-spent and will pay dividends for generations," as stated in the city's news release. Dickens also extended gratitude to Councilmembers Hillis and Boone for their roles in sponsoring these progressive measures, coupled with an advance nod to the City Council for its anticipated support.
Those interested in the specifics of Atlanta's current and forthcoming infrastructure ventures can find additional details and updates by visiting the Atlanta Department of Watershed Management and ATLDOT's respective websites.
