Statesboro, Ga.'s Creek on the Blue Mile Project took center stage during the city's mayor and council work session recently when a comprehensive update on where the project stands and the financial challenges now shaping its path forward was heard.
The Creek on the Blue Mile project is one of Statesboro's most ambitious infrastructure efforts, combining flood control, recreation and transportation improvements along a key corridor of the Southeastern Georgia city.
Justin Williams, Statesboro's director of planning and development, explained that due to the project's multiple funding sources — each carrying its own regulations and requirements — the city has divided the design phase into three distinct contracts: one for drainage and flood control, one for a multi-use trail and one for new bridges.
GriceConnect.com, a Statesboro online news source, noted that Williams' update came as part of his department's ongoing effort to ensure that all design contracts are fully funded before being presented for city council approval.
The first contract covers flood control and drainage improvements to Little Lotts Creek, stretching from West Jones Avenue to Gentilly Road.
Williams noted that Statesboro received a $5.5 million grant from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) for this portion of the planned work. It has approximately $2.7 million remaining, which aligns with the estimated design cost for the drainage work.
City officials selected Savannah's EMC Engineering through the state procurement process after previously working with Freese and Nichols, a Fort Worth, Texas, firm.
However, Williams noted that the drainage contract cannot move forward until sufficient funding is secured for the trail design, as the two phases are closely tied.
The second contract involves the design of a multi-use trail that will run along both sides of Little Lotts Creek, connecting South College Street near South Main to Zetterower Avenue.
Statesboro received a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for $2.12 million, but those funds are designated for construction work only. The city has submitted a separate request for additional TAP funding to pay for the trail's design, estimated to cost $1.7 million.
Williams told those attending the municipal work session that the lack of design funding has temporarily delayed contract approval, adding that GDOT's federal process requires extensive documentation and reports that increase costs. Some design work completed by Freese and Nichols must be resubmitted to GDOT to meet current standards.
"At this time, we don't have sufficient funds to fully fund that design contract," said Williams. "We're working to obtain additional TAP funding, but that process could take several months rather than being an immediate result."
The design of new bridges at South Main Street, Fair Road and Zetterower Avenue make up the third contract.
This portion is funded separately through GDOT, with $3 million allocated for design and $6.48 million for construction. To lead this work, Statesboro has selected Pittsburgh, Pa.-based Michael Baker International, according to GriceConnect.com
Negotiations with the firm are nearing completion, and Williams said staff may soon present the design contract for city council consideration. GDOT also has indicated that it will cover construction costs even if they exceed the current $6.48 million estimate.
Creek on Blue Mile Faces Challenges
Williams also took time to outline the regulatory complexity surrounding the Creek on the Blue Mile Project and described GDOT's design approval process as a "step-by-step sequence requiring authorization at each stage."
The state agency's strict process, combined with the need to resubmit certain technical reports, has contributed to higher design costs and extended timelines, he said. While the drainage and trail phases remain interconnected, the bridge design may be able to proceed independently while the city waits for additional trail funding approval.
"The trail and drainage are very closely interlocked," Williams said. "We just want to make sure all funding is in place before we execute any contracts."
Once design funding is finalized, the Statesboro plans to move forward with EMC Engineering on the drainage and trail contracts and Michael Baker International on the bridge design.
Williams' update reaffirmed that while the Creek on the Blue Mile Project continues to face procedural and financial hurdles, it is advancing toward design completion with the goal of full construction funding in place over the coming year.
