Houston County’s 2022 forecast

Being Georgia’s “most progressive county,” Houston County is no stranger to growth. Looking at the massive expansions of the county’s three cities, it’s plain to see, with each of these municipalities consistently developing new housing, bringing in more businesses and diversifying their local industries. But the good work of these cities would not be possible without the work put in place by Houston County’s government – without a good foundation, no one could build. Without infrastructure in place to handle the growth, Houston County could not grow.

Houston County Board of Commissioners Chairman Tommy Stalnaker said the county doesn’t plan to slow down. In 2022, the county has a litany of projects. The expansion and development of roads, public safety, the county’s water system, new buildings, even expansions for the county’s airport and landfill are all in the works.

“Through the completion of [these projects], we’re going to enhance the people’s ability to have the necessary infrastructure to survive, to make life easier for them. Whether it be through transportation or utilities, I have always believed that infrastructure is one of the most important things you can have. If you don’t have the necessary infrastructure in place, you’re not going to have any growth. The infrastructure has to stay ahead of the growth, you cannot let the growth catch you, and then try to catch up through infrastructure – you will always be behind.”

One major topic for Houston County government is roads. At the end of 2021, Stalnaker spoke to the public at a commissioner meeting, and listed several complete, ongoing and upcoming projects in 2022. Ten of those projects alone were on roads.

Stalnaker said that in the coming year, Houston County will complete three road projects: the SR127 road widening projects, the fifth phase of the Lake Joy Road widening, and a traffic circle SR247 and SR247 Spur.

Some larger road projects will see their start this year as well, including a road extension of Thomson Mill Road, road connectivity work at St. Patrick Drive and Perimeter, work on Elberta Road, and improvements at the Feagin Mill Road and Houston Lake Road intersection. With several of these projects, Stalnaker said the county hopes to relieve congestion and help traffic flow.

Additionally, Houston County is set to begin constructing a turn lane from Old SR96 onto SR247, and plans to make intersection and landscaping improvements at the Danny Carpenter and Sandefur Road intersection.

The county is also working on several buildings for the public as well.

The new State Court building should be completed this year, beginning construction in 2021. Stalnaker said he is impressed by the builders’ progress.

“People can see it now, they can see the progress. I’m somewhat amazed at the level of progress that’s been done. You can go by day-to-day and see a change in the structure that’s going up.”

In addition to providing the State Court with more space, Stalnaker said this new building will also eliminate the necessity to transport prisoners from the jail to the courthouse – they will be transported via tunnel rather than a vehicle.

Following the completion of the State Court building’s construction, the Old State court and annex building will be renovated. The Houston County Tax Commissioners will claim the front portion of the building, tripling their current space. The Sheriff’s Office also claims some additional square footage in the building.

Stalnaker also spoke on construction of additional space for the Health Department.

“As we know, during the pandemic we realized how important health departments are. Not only health departments, but health facilities and hospitals as well.”

According to Stalnaker, the county is currently in the contracting and hiring process – and then construction will begin.

Stalnaker made note of a project he said he’s “very interested in.” A joint project with the municipalities of Houston County as well as the Board of Education, a natatorium is coming to Houston County. After its completed construction, the swimming facility will be owned by the City of Warner Robins; however, it will be available to all individuals in Houston County.

As a final construction project, Stalnaker also told The Journal that Houston County is currently preparing to build a new fire station in the Bonaire area. Not only will the building act as a space for a fire station, but as a Sheriff Precinct and an EMS precinct.

“The current Bonaire Station is one of the oldest fire stations we have in the county; it is in much need of replacement.”

The county is also working to expand much of its utility infrastructure. The commissioners hope to prepare for a growing need for water in Houston County, building several remote well, expanding water line coverage, and preparing for a new water treatment plant. The county’s landfill is set for further expansion as well to prepare for any additional needs in trash pick-up, and there is an engineering study happening right now in Houston County to prepare an action plan for continued Stormwater Management.

The county also has several miscellaneous projects moving forward as well, including a court management system update, a new payroll system for county employees, and work to improve annexation law in Georgia.

“In this county, over the last 20-plus years, we’ve tried to be ahead on infrastructure needs,” Stalnaker said. “People may wonder why you’re doing what you’re doing. It’s for the growth.

“We know growth is going to be happening, and if we don’t go ahead and do some of these road projects, and some of these water projects and landfill projects, the building projects that we’re doing, that growth will pass us and we will never be able to get the infrastructure up to support it.”

Stalnaker estimated that much like in years past, Houston County will continue to expand in 2022.

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