On Wednesday, the Hamilton Count Commission voted unanimously to help East Ridge finance improvements to Camp Jordan Parkway to facilitate local development.

The county agreed to contribute an amount not to exceed $1 million to fund the $2.8 million project. The project would widen Camp Jordan leading into the Bass Pro Shops and Jordan Crossing developments. It also entails re-striping the Hwy. 41 bridge over Interstate 75 to accommodate six lanes of traffic. Exit 1 on I-75 north would be reconfigured so traffic getting off the interstate would go directly to a red light giving motorists an opportunity to go directly onto Camp Jordan Parkway or turn onto Hwy. 41.

The East Ridge City Council passed a resolution in late July authorizing the city to enter into an Interlocal Agreement with Hamilton County to fund the road improvements. The city will spend $500,000 in fiscal year 2015-16 to fund the first phase of the project _ widening Camp Jordan Parkway to four lanes. The city would then appropriate $500,000 from the 2016-17 budget to continue with the improvements.

The source of East Ridge’s funding would come from the city’s State Street Aid Fund. City Treasurer Thad Jablonski said the Street Aid Fund is replenished on a yearly basis to the tune of $500,000 from gas taxes that consumers pay.

Mayor Brent Lambert said in last month’s City Council meeting that the city would authorize the bid process as quickly as possible. Construction on the improvements could begin as early as September, officials said.

Developers told the council in July that bids for the project could go out “realistically” in August and potentially let shortly thereafter. Officials with Wolftever Development said the necessary permits could be obtained form the state and county in short order. It was explained to Council during the July meeting that the city would not have to write a $500,000 check initially. As the work progressed the city would pay for the project accordingly.