Georgia Mountains
Regional Development Center

Serving the Communities of Georgia Mountains since 1962

•  Banks • Dawson • Forsyth • Franklin • Habersham • Hall • Hart • Lumpkin • Rabun • Stephens • Towns • Union • White •

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Transportation Planning

Transportation planning has evolved into a more specialized practice of community planning, including the application of specialized software for traffic analysis and projection for use in land use planning and capital improvement scheduling.  The GMRDC is currently able to assist with basic transportation studies and is working with local and state governments to ensure the overall provision of a safe and efficient transportation system within the region.

Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan

The GMRDC formally adopted its first Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan in August 2005. This planning process was a multi-year effort and forms a first step toward integrating the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians into local infrastructure and land development planning.  The Plan also serves as starting point for identifying enhancements and recreational opportunities in the region.

     Tallulah Falls Rail-to-Trail

A major component of the plan is the Tallulah Falls Rails to Trails project, designed to convert a 57-mile rail corridor into a multi-use trail. The former Tallulah Falls Railroad rail bed winds from the historic depot in Cornelia through Habersham and Rabun Counties to the North Carolina border, and connects through the Tallulah Gorge State Park and the existing 1.7-mile Short Line Trail.  There is a wide range of support for this project and includes local and state elected officials, community leaders, local land owners, including Piedmont College in Demorest, and GDOT officials.  The GMRDC’s role is to assist local officials in establishing a local group of volunteers to spearhead the development of this project.  GMRDC staff provided technical assistance in photographing areas along the corridor, and mapping and compiling ownership records for the trail right-of-way.  GMRDC staff also collaborated with Georgia DOT and City of Cornelia in developing a mitigation plan for two historic properties that would be adversely affected by the widening of State Route 105 in Cornelia. The development of this project will support the preservation of remaining portions of the historic rail line, be a major boost to local tourism, and provide a major pedestrian link to many regional areas of interest and activity nodes, including eight smaller cities and area schools.  

Georgia Department of Transportation program support

As part of our regular contract with the GDOT the GMRDC assisted with several State programs to assist local governments.

• Transportation Enhancement (TE) Grant Program - Provides funds for local communities trying to expand transportation options, improve facilities for pedestrian and bicycle routes or pursue streetscape beautification projects.

• Scenic Byway Program – Assists with development and management of favored travel corridors, allowing local government to take measures that will preserve conditions and vistas along a roadway.

• Safe Routes to Schools – Supports local school systems and local governments working to foster more sidewalks and alternative accessibility to school facilities.