Suwannee County Economic Alliance President Dennis Cason discussed with county commissioners Tuesday a bypass road between US 90 and US 129 in the northeastern part of the county.

The reason for the bypass, said Cason, is to cut down on traffic congestion in the city, reduce damage to sidewalks from big trucks and make city streets safer for cars and pedestrians. Cason said the new road could also help the local economy by bringing in new businesses, which would in turn create new jobs.

“It’s a plus, plus,” Cason told commissioners Tuesday.

The Florida Department of Transportation has agreed to put up more than $4 million for the project through a grant if approved by the legislature. The county’s part could be about $400,000, which would be used for the purchase of rights of way and permitting.

Commission Chairman Jesse Caruthers said the project should be high priority but since the county has taken on several other projects a little organization is needed.

“I’m concerned when we got other projects out there,” Caruthers said Thursday. “We need to sit down and prioritize them.”

“A four-million dollar project that’s going to cost the locals four-hundred thousand, I will buy that any day,” Commissioner Douglas Udell said. “It definitely needs to be done.”

Cason will discuss the project with the city council Tuesday night before meeting with commissioners again. A public hearing will then be held.

If approved, the road will run from 72nd Trace, next to Lowe’s, to the industrial park on US 90 East, next to 101st Road.