Bibb, Houston Pledge $6 Million Each to Fix Encroachment Issue

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Bibb and Houston County leaders are celebrating their partnership to end the encorachment issue in the south end of Bibb County.

An agreement has been drafted and signed by Chairmen of the Bibb County Commission, Sam Hart and Chairman of the Houston County Commission, Tommy Stalnaker securing the two government’s promise of a monetary pledge of $6 million a piece to solve the problem. Chairman of the Peach County Commission, Melvin Walker, also signed the agreement and committed his county to $400,000.

Before the agreement goes into effect, the three board of commissioners have to adopt the resolution.

This agreement along with more than $5 million from the Department of Defense, and $2.5 million per year for three years from the state will round up just under $25 million to address encroachment.

So far, 93 of the 250 pieces of land that are in the encroachment area have been purchased. The secured funds will help buy up the remaining 157 parcels of land that are adjacent to the north end of the base. That area is one where residents can potentially suffer from noise injuries.

The residents in the area say they aren’t entirely thrilled when it comes to the idea of selling their land. 41 NBC spoke with some who say they’re feeling forced out of their homes. We’ll have their reaction and more details about the agreement tonight on the news at 6pm.