Georgia DOT Project P.I. 0015553 | Houston County | Notice of Temporary Impacts to Rotary Centennial Park
The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT), in coordination with the City of Perry and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), proposes to replace the bridge on State Route (SR) 7/SR 127/US 41 over Big Indian Creek in Houston County. To construct the proposed project, a portion of Rotary Centennial Park would be acquired, and there is potential for an approximately 24-month closure of Whitetail Trail located directly underneath the proposed bridge replacement that connects to Rotary Centennial Park. A previous notice issued by Georgia DOT indicated a trail closure of approximately 12 months; however, additional investigations into the constructability of the replacement bridge warrant the closure of this portion of Whitetail Trail for public safety purposes through the entire duration of construction (approximately 24 months).
Approximately 0.16 acre of permanent easement and 0.09 acre of required right of way would be needed from Rotary Centennial Park. For the anticipated 24-month closure of the Whitetail Trail connection, trail users would still be permitted on portions of the trail not closed during construction. Rotary Centennial Park would remain open during construction and activities in the park, including community events, would not be affected.
Rotary Centennial Park qualifies for protection under Section 4(f) of the USDOT Act of 1966. As a result, Georgia DOT and the City of Perry offer this notification per The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), which requires that the public have the opportunity to review and comment before the FHWA can make a de minimis (minor) impact determination under Section 4(f). The City of Perry concurs that the proposed project would have a de minimis impact on Rotary Centennial Park.
Written statements may be submitted to the contact and address below by April 6, 2024.
Mr. Eric Duff, State Environmental Administrator
Attn: Ms. Rachel Shouse
Georgia Department of Transportation
Office of Environmental Services
One Georgia Center, 16th Floor, 600 W. Peachtree Street, NW
Atlanta, Georgia, 30308