Around Georgia: Plan for truck-only highway draws attention

JOHN SPINK /JSPINK@AJC.COM

JOHN SPINK /JSPINK@AJC.COM

$1 billion-plus road project a hot topic in trucking industry

The grapevine probably had the word out first, but Georgia's plan for a 40-mile toll-free trucks-only highway is making headlines in the 18-wheel industry. Livetrucking.com reported late Monday on the state's plans, which officials say should receive federal funding but will go on regardless. Construction is to begin in 2025 for the project, which carries a $1 billion-plus price tag.

Forsyth County cityhood bill advances

Could some south Forsyth County voters be able to decide whether they want to create a new city to be called Sharon Springs? Forsythnews.com reports that legislation on the topic is working its way through the General Assembly. A proposed Sharon Springs still has several hurdles to cross in the Legislature and would have to be approved by residents in the affected areas.

Georgia Ports Authority will expand footprint

The Georgia Ports Authority, which already runs the nation's fourth-largest and fastest-growing container port in Savannah, will be expanding. GPA Executive Director Griff Lynch made the announcement on the opening day of the 50th annual Georgia Foreign Trade Conference at Sea Island. The expansion, which also includes the Port of Brunswick, will accommodate 10 million containers, 1 million rail lifts and more than 1.5 million auto and machinery units per year by 2028, savannahnow and The Savannah Morning News report.

First lady Sandra Deal could also be state's "first educator"

As well wishes go out to Georgia first lady Sandra Deal in her battle against breast cancer, The Gainesville Times offers perspective on her contributions to the state, noting she has been "as much first educator as first lady." Her "Read Across Georgia" initiative has been aimed at increasing the number of children achieving grade-level reading skills by the end of third grade. In the past seven years, she has visited every school district in every county in the state, including some 800 schools, to read to students and urge them to pursue a love of books as the gateway to a lifetime of learning, the newspaper states. Also noted are the book she wrote on Georgia's Governor's Mansion and her involvement in the Governor's Office for Children & Families.

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