Photo Credit: Lee Becker

The Oconee Connector at the site of the future parkway.

Oconee County will soon begin design work for an extension of Parkway Boulevard, which will open up new land for development behind Lowe’s and Walmart, if the Board of Commissioners approves a design services contract for the project tonight.

The new Parkway Boulevard would be an extension of the road that now leads to Kohl’s from Epps Bridge Parkway. The new road would turn back to and connect with the new Oconee Connector, crossing 114 acres owned by the Evelyn and Frank Gordy family and 41 acres owned by Rod and J.L. Wright.

Action on the design service contract for the road project is one item on a short but intense agenda for the commission meeting, which starts at 7 p.m. at the courthouse in Watkinsville.

Other items include an update on projects involving Daniells Bridge Road and Jimmy Daniell Road, a report from the county’s Industrial Development Authority recommending a change in zoning procedures, approval of a new loan agreement for Hard Labor Creek Regional Reservoir in Walton County and discussion of a paving contract for the walking trail in Veterans Park.