WFXG Fox54 Augusta-Your News One Hour EarlierGDOT calls plan that would build Augusta interstate doubtful

Years ago Georgia Congressman, Charlie Norwood requested that a study be made - looking into building more Georgia interstates.

Now one of those studies is out and details plans for a three state highway with Augusta as the start of the interstate.

The 14th Amendment Highway would stretch more than 600 miles; starting in Augusta it would run through major cities in Georgia, Alabama and end in Mississippi.

The interstate would connect to Augusta in one of two locations; it would either connect near Interstate 520 at Fort Gordon or at Interstate 20 near exit 183.

The possibility of a major interstate moving many travelers through the CSRA has residents like Danielle Williams excited.

"I would love to see the new interstate come through, the new attractions, new people coming through and saying, 'Look at Augusta, it's so beautiful, I've never been here it's like something new,' you know building up Augusta," said Williams.

"I travel through to Augusta and to other states and I think having that interstate coming from Augusta all the way to Mississippi would be great, straight through, no stoplights, less traffic," said resident Quinten Blair.

City officials are also thinking big about what this would mean for Augusta.

President and CEO of the Augusta Convention and Visitor's Bureau, Barry White, said, "If we can make it easier to get to Augusta that's going to benefit us in all areas of economic development."

"It would have a huge economic impact on the city; it's all about connectivity and trade routes," said Augusta Mayor, Deke Copenhaver.

But Don Grantham, a board member of the Georgia Department of Transportation says there is a major road bump that has to be crossed before the study can move from paper to the street.

"It's certainly a good project but I don't think it's one that any funding has been identified for, nor has there been conversations for funding," said Grantham.

The Georgia DOT would implement and pay for the project, but the project isn't on the table.

"From the standpoint of discussion among our board members there has been none," said Grantham.

Grantham said the board may take a look at the study in the near future, but said he doesn't think the board will approve the highway because they would have to foot the bill. 

"It's doubtful. But you never know what can happen," said Grantham.

But this is something that isn't discouraging Augustans who are keeping their hopes up.

"I understand that there are some difficulties associated with it but I think that we as a city and as a state need to think big, so we'll see what happens."

"Hopefully the project will go through perfectly and everything will work out, the only thing we can do is wait right now," said Blair.

The GDOT is also expecting to receive another report on an additional interstate that would link Augusta to Savannah, North Carolina and Tennessee soon.