Is the Waycross bypass dead — again?
There were lots of questions, but few answers on the proposed bypass Tuesday, January 6, as three residents addressed commissioners at the board’s first meeting of the year. Two others were scheduled to address the topic, but were not present.
County chairman Neal Bennett and First District Commissioner Troy Mattox both indicated the bypass issue might soon be a moot point.
At Tuesday night’s meeting, Chairman Bennett addressed the gallery prior to public participation in the meeting and told those present the county supported the resolution for the bypass, along with Brantley County, at Ware County’s request.
Bennett stressed he hadn’t signed the resolution of support and was inclined not to in light of public opposition to the proposal in Pierce County. He also said he was of the opinion the Pierce County Commission would not support the plan in view of public backlash against the proposal.
Bennett said Brantley County’s Commission voted to rescind its support for the bypass, and commissioners there did so Thursday, January 8, pending further information.
The Ware County Commission was expected to discuss the Pierce and Brantley actions during its meeting late Monday afternoon, January 12.
Bennett went on to set restrictions on comments saying the commission could not answer questions about timeline, costs, proposed routes and other detailed plans about the bypass because it was too early in the process for that information to be finalized.
Georgia Department of Transportation projects generally take 5-10 years — or longer —in planning before construction takes place.
Blake Edwards, who has led opposition to the project, was the first speaker.
Edwards asked if the question would be put to the voters. He said he had talked to Georgia House Rep. James Burchett, whose District 176 includes Ware County, and the lawmaker said voters there would get to decide. Edwards asked if Pierce voters would get a similar referendum.
Bennett said the question could be placed on the ballot as a non-binding referendum in the May primary, but both the Democratic and Republican Parties in Pierce County would have to agree to place it on both ballots.
Pierce County’s State Representative Steven Meeks (R-Screven) said he had inquired about how to call for a referendum on the bypass with the General Assembly’s general counsel, but has not yet received an answer.
Edwards then asked how the referendum question would be worded.
Bennett said that would have to be agreed on by the parties, but he suggested a simple question: Should a Waycross bypass be built? Yes or no?
A referendum might not be needed, however.
Commissioner Mattox said he believes the bypass proposal is “history.
