New Hart County GSP Post Construction Continues

Work on the new Georgia State Patrol post is back underway after some time delays due to the winter weather.

In April of 2013, the GSP announced its plans to build the new post in the Gateway II Industrial Park on Knox Bridge Road off State Routes 77 and 59 at Exit 177.

The site in the Gateway II Industrial Park was chosen for its easy access to the Interstate and to provide extra security for that part of Hart County.

Hart County administrator Jon Caime said another delay has been the type of labor force being used to build the new facility.

“This is a prison construction crew,” Caime said. “When you hire a private contractor you have a set deadline. When you work with a prison construction crew, you’re cutting your costs by about 40%, but you have to just go with the flow.” 

The State has budgeted just over $1.5 million for the new Post and Hart County is kicking in $600,000 to help pay for construction.  According to Caime, the County will own the building and lease it to the State Patrol.  Caime said now that the spring weather is here, construction should move more quickly.

“Things are moving along nicely,” he said. “But again, it’s prison labor and so we have to go by their schedule.” 

Caime said they hope to have the Post completed by the fall.

Once done and open, Colonel Mark W. McDonough, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety and Georgia State Patrol Commander, said the new post will be designated Post 52 and is expected to be staffed with 14 sworn personnel and a civilian employee.

Post 52 will serve Franklin, Hart, Banks and Elbert counties.