By Eric Curl
March 16, 2025 – On Friday, the Chatham County Commissioners approved an almost $4.7 million engineering services contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates, for the planned Multimodal Community Improvement Project.
The initiative, a collaboration between Chatham, the Georgia Ports Authority and CSX Transportation, aims to enhance transportation infrastructure by eliminating 11 at-grade railroad crossings near the Garden City terminal.
The federally funded project, which received $1.8 million in federal contributions, seeks to improve access to the Port of Savannah, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance mobility for residents. Key benefits include removing crossings through the Woodville-Bartow neighborhood, consolidating Bay Street crossings, and increasing efficiency along Ga. 21 and the Brampton Road Connector.
The study is expected to be completed by April 2026.
Source: Chatham County Agenda Report
Chatham County Expands Solar Energy Program with New Agreement
March 16, 2025 – On Friday, The Chatham County Commission approved an amendment to the Solar Energy Procurement Agreement (SEPA) with Cherry Street Energy, expanding the county’s renewable energy efforts. The amendment will install solar panels and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure at additional municipal facilities—without requiring upfront funding.
This expansion builds on the county’s 2024 pilot program, which saw four facilities outfitted with solar panels, resulting in initial electricity savings of $8,155 between July and December 2024, according to county official The full-year projected savings are estimated at $115,000.
The second phase of the program will extend solar installations to 13 new sites, including the tax commissioner’s office, police annex, and the new downtown courthouse.
The first phase included the installation of solar power at the Citizen’s Services Center, juvenile court, sheriff’s Office and jail, and aquatic center, as previously reported.
In related news, the county will be hosting a visioning session to get community feedback on developing policies to respond to sea level rise and climate change. The meeting is scheduled to be held 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Coastal Georgia Center on March 26.
Source: Chatham County Agenda Report
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