WAYNESBORO, Ga. – The Vogtle Parkway Project, a key initiative funded by the Transportation Investment Act, has sparked both optimism and concern among local residents. Approved in 2020, the project is part of a broader 1% sales tax initiative aimed at improving infrastructure in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA).

Set to link Cates Mead Road to the front entrance of Plant Vogtle, the Vogtle Parkway will stretch approximately four miles and will include two 11-foot lanes with rural shoulders. The new roadway will connect Plant Vogtle to Mike Padgett Highway (Hwy 56), improving access for plant employees and emergency responders, as well as facilitating faster travel between Waynesboro and Augusta.

Eric Wilkinson, Assistant State TIA Administrator, emphasized the project’s positive impact on transportation in the region. “This will help get people in and out of the plant quicker, including emergency response,” Wilkinson stated. “It also provides a faster route to Augusta and Waynesboro.”

The project, while expected to provide significant logistical benefits, has raised questions regarding its impact on local property owners. The construction plan will require the use of eminent domain to acquire land for the new road. At a public meeting held Thursday, residents voiced concerns over the transparency of the Right of Way process and the lack of clarity regarding compensation.

John Singletary, a local resident whose property could be affected, expressed frustration over the absence of information on how much residents will be compensated for land taken through eminent domain. “There is zero dollars allocated for the Right of Way,” Singletary said. “No one in this meeting can tell me why there isn’t a clear figure that shows how much people will be paid for their land.”

Singletary underscored that while the community supports progress, it is essential that the process be fair and transparent. “We all want to see progress, but the issue is not about opposing change. The issue is that progress should be fair and not take advantage of individuals simply because the government can exercise eminent domain,” he said.

In response, Wilkinson clarified that the Right of Way phase of the project is slated to begin in 2027, with construction expected to start in 2029. Despite these assurances, residents like Singletary are calling for more detailed information and a transparent approach to the compensation process.

As the project moves forward, local residents and officials alike will be closely monitoring how the issues surrounding property acquisition and compensation are addressed. The Vogtle Parkway Project promises to bring much-needed infrastructure improvements to the region, but the community remains concerned about ensuring fairness for those whose land may be affected.