Press Releases

Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA) issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Transportation announced Cobb County will be awarded a $5 million INFRA grant for the construction of a reversible ramp, which will provide direct access to the I-75 Managed Lanes system:

"During the last two years, my office has worked tirelessly with the Cumberland CID to secure federal funding for the Akers Mill Ramp project. This funding announcement is a testament to the persistent efforts of both of our offices to make this local road project a national priority. Much of the credit for securing this federal funding goes to Kim Menefee, Cumberland CID’s Executive Director, and her staff, for their tireless efforts. I also want to thank Secretary Elaine Chao (USDOT) and her staff for working with my office to ensure this project became a national priority.”

"The Akers Mill Ramp will allow for more direct, safe access to the I-75 express lanes for more than 100,000 daily commuters traveling to and from the Cumberland district,” said Kim Menefee, executive director – Cumberland Community Improvement District. “We are thrilled that Cobb County received the INFRA grant closing the $5 million funding gap to deliver this vital regional project. We want to thank Congressman Barry Loudermilk. His leadership was instrumental in these efforts."

“The fact that so many groups are working together demonstrates how essential this ramp is for the continued economic prosperity of the county," said Chairman Mike Boyce - Cobb County Board of Commissioners. "The federal grant is appreciated, and I would like to thank all of those in our congressional delegation for helping make this happen.”

Background:

- Although the I-75 Managed Lanes have had a tremendously positive impact on travel times through Cobb County, the lack of a ramp at Akers Mill requires drivers who wish to access the Managed Lanes to cut across four to five lanes of traffic, which can be very dangerous

- The completion of this project will provide a safer and more streamlined flow of traffic in the Cumberland area

- This 24-foot-wide reversible ramp will improve the safety of the approximately 100,000 commuters per day who travel on I-75 through Cobb County