Since the mid-1980s Gwinnett voters have approved a series of Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax programs, known as SPLOST. Gwinnett SPLOST is an optional 1% sales tax levied for the purpose of funding capital outlay projects that improve our infrastructure and quality of life. SPLOST programs have allowed Gwinnett to efficiently and effectively raise more than $2.9 billion dollars through the years to support projects that ensure Gwinnett is the best place to live, learn, work and play now and for years to come.
On November 8th Gwinnett voters once again said “Yes” to renew our SPLOST for another six years by a 63% affirmation vote. The 2017 SPLOST program is anticipated to generate another $950 million that will enable transportation and mobility improvements, ensure public safety, enhance parks and recreation facilities, and relocate and renovate libraries. This SPLOST will also support the civic center expansion, improve senior service facilities, and provide tremendous funding support to Gwinnett cities.
The term “Special Purpose” is meant to ensure that the purpose of the sales tax is clearly defined and designated to fund specific capital improvements that enhance our quality of life and meet the “special” needs of our community.
Through the years, Gwinnett Place CID has benefited greatly from SPLOST-funded projects. Here are some great examples of improvements we’ve been able make in our area thanks to SPLOST dollars:
- Diverging Diamond Interchange at Pleasant Hill Road
- Sixteen specific sidewalk and streetscape improvements
- Major intersection improvement projects along Pleasant Hill at Club Drive, Breckinridge Boulevard & Gwinnett Place Drive, and on Venture Drive at Day Drive and Venture Drive.
Looking ahead, more exciting projects are on the proposed high priority project list for the 2017 SPLOST that will directly benefit Gwinnett Place CID property owners:
- Major road and intersection improvements along Venture Drive
- Improved collector-distributor system from Pleasant Hill Road/I-85 to SR 316
- Intersection capacity improvements at Pleasant Hill & Satellite Boulevard
- Bike/Pedestrian improvements, including implementation of ‘Complete Streets’
- Pedestrian crossing improvements along major District thoroughfares
- Bridge, culvert & transportation drainage improvements
- West Liddell Road to Club Drive Connector
SPLOST is truly is one of the most efficient, effective funding mechanisms we can use to proactively meet our community’s constantly growing and ever-changing needs. And, because SPLOST funds allow us to have the cash on-hand to pay as we go, we can complete projects debt-free, helping ensure our property taxes remain as low as possible. SPLOST is a gift to our community that ensures Gwinnett’s quality of life remains truly “special.”
For more details on the 2017 Gwinnett SPLOST, click here or visit www.gwinnettsfuture.com.
Paige Havens served as Co-Chair of Vote for Gwinnett’s Future.