Citing his exemplary service to the citizens of Georgia, the Georgia State Transportation Board has chosen to formally honor State Rep. James Beverly (143rd District) for his service to his constituents and leadership of the Macon-Bibb Community Enhancement Authority. State Rep. James Beverly serves as chairman of the MBCEA.

Georgia DOT Commissioner Russell McMurry presented the official State Transportation Board resolution to Macon-Bibb CEA Chairman State Rep. James Beverly at the groundbreaking ceremonies celebrating the construction phase of the $495 million I-16/I-75 interchange project.

"The I-16/I-75 interchange project is one of the most significant GDOT projects in Middle Georgia since the construction of the interstate itself back in the 1960s," said Georgia DOT Commissioner Russell McMurry. "Thanks to Dr. Beverly's leadership, the Macon-Bibb Community Enhancement Authority serves as an essential facilitator in relations between our agency, the citizens of Macon and stakeholders serving the Pleasant Hill community."

"We count on Dr. Beverly and the Macon-Bibb CEA to serve as an important bridge between the state and local residents," Commissioner McMurry noted. "This interstate project will improve travel not only for the people of Middle Georgia but also for the millions of motorists who travel through this particular interchange each and every year."

"It is an honor to be recognized by the Georgia State Transportation Board for service to my constituents and leadership efforts on this truly transformative project," said State Rep. James Beverly, chairman of the Macon-Bibb Community Enhancement Authority. "When we started this project we had high hopes and lofty goals. I am proud to say that we have accomplished many of those goals and are working towards making many more of them a reality."

The Pleasant Hill Mitigation Plan is the formal name for the $495 million I-16/I-75 Interchange reconstruction project that will improve the safety of the interstate corridor by widening and reconstructing I-75 from Hardeman Avenue to Pierce Avenue and I-16 from I-75 to Walnut Creek within the City of Macon.  

In cooperation with the Georgia Department of Transportation, the Macon-Bibb Community Enhancement Authority (MBCEA) plays an integral role in the project as the authority connects state and local organizations and engages the community.

As part of its work on the Mitigation Plan, the MBCEA has moved seven structures, hired local residents to perform the rehabilitation work on these buildings and conducted a job fair that attracted almost 200 people. The next steps for the Authority include continued rehabilitation of the seven moved houses and continuing preparations for the construction of 17 brand-new homes that will be built from the ground up in Pleasant Hill.