Artwork by Corrin Elizabeth – artbycorrin.comThe origins of the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) began 100 years ago August 16, following the Federal Aid Road Act of 1916 that required a state highway department be formed to receive federal funds. The State Highway Department of Georgia was revamped in 1972 to its current name.
The agency started out small, but from 1916-1919 the agency worked on 75 federal aid projects in 64 counties, using federal aid amounts of $134,329 in 1917 and $268,658 in 1918.
On April 20 this year, Gov. Nathan Deal signed a proclamation declaring 2016 as “Georgia Department of Transportation’s Centennial Year” and recognizing the contributions the agency has made to the quality of life, increase mobility and economic growth in the state.
“While a centennial is a time to reflect on the past, it is also a time to look ahead to new challenges,” GDOT Commissioner Russell R. McMurry says. “Drones, connected vehicles, self-driving cars – these are just a few of the evolving technologies that will have a tremendous impact on transportation in the not-too-distant future. In the next century, Georgia DOT will continue to embrace change and rise to meet new challenges, break new barriers and positively affect more lives.”
“To reach this 100 year milestone took the tireless efforts of many people … those with vision, those with passion, those who took a stand,” says Emily Dunn, chairman of the Georgia Transportation Board. “Georgia DOT thrives today and is set to do great things in the future.”
More details on the GDOT Centennial, including an event calendar, historical timeline, videos and art are available at www.dot.ga.gov/centennial.
