For several years, Tifton residents have complained about the condition of 20th Street, a main thoroughfare in the city. At its meeting Monday night, Tifton City Council approved both the resurfacing of 20th Street and replacement of its aging water lines.

The resurfacing of 20th Street from Old Ocilla Road to U.S. Highway 41 will cost $1.4 million and will be funded by SPLOST V funds. The water line replacement will cost $1.2 million and, although unbudgeted, will also use SPLOST V money.

Officials  said  20th Street is in "terrible condition" and will see even more traffic with the opening soon of the Veterans Affairs Clinic.

Pete Pyrzenski of ESG Operations told council that the water line upgrades are a necessary part of the resurfacing project. He said the water infrastructure is aging and sections need to be replaced now. 

Replacing the old water lines will save time and money in the long-term, eliminating the need to tear up the resurfaced road for patching potential water leaks on old galvanized lines in the future, Pyrzenski said.

Astra Construction Services of Woodstock will handle the water repairs and resurfacing projects. The work will begin shortly and is expected to be completed by January.

ABAC's TOWN & GOWN

EVENT BRINGS STUDENTS, COMMUNITY TOGETHER

  

Last Friday, Bill Marsh and Wes Ehlers of Colony Bank delivered 10 cases of water to both the Tifton Fire Department and to the Tift County Fire & Rescue squad.

Residents are encouraged to donate water to local fire stations this month to help fire personnel during the South Georgia summer.