By Jeff Waters, Democrat Reporter
The Suwannee County Commission voted recently to pay for surveys to determine rights-of-way for the proposed perimeter road project.
Suwannee County Economic Alliance President Dennis Cason and Tim Alcorn, who is working with Cason on the project, brought the idea back to the board after the Live Oak City Council voted to spend $100,000 on the road that will run between US 90 and US 129 in northeastern Suwannee County. The county's share will be $300,000, which, combined with the city's contribution, would be used to purchase rights-of-way and for permitting.
Commission Chairman Jesse Caruthers said he wanted a survey done so homeowners along the proposed route will know the effect it will have on them, if any.
"We're getting survey so we can have a center line of a proposed right-of-way," said Caruthers. "Then we can hold a public hearing for the folks so they can express their opinions on it."
Public Works Director Jerry Sikes said completing surveys now will help clear up any confusion over the proposed route.
"This takes the speculation out of it," he said at the June 16 meeting. "It's got to be done at some point anyway," said Sikes. "I think it's the obvious starting point to me."
The next step in the project, after surveys are complete, will be to hold a public hearing.
If approved, the perimeter road will run from 72nd Trace, next to Lowe's, to the industrial park on US 90 east, near 101st Road.
