Seven stretches of road totaling more than 10 miles in Forsyth County will be improved through funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The county will receive about $1.6 million in federal stimulus funding for the projects, which are slated to be finished by July 31, weather permitting.

Spokeswoman Teri Pope said the stimulus program has allowed the state Department of Transportation to improve "transportation infrastructure without utilizing state funds.”

“We have over 200 projects across the state and each one improves safety and connectivity,” she said.

In the latest round of funding, 72 projects were awarded across Georgia at a cost of about $75 million. About $11 million of that stimulus money is going toward 14 projects in northeast Georgia.

The resurfacing projects -- including East Maple Street, Freedom Parkway and Antioch and Old Atlanta roads -- were recommended to the state by the county.

“The DOT reviewed the list, striking any projects that did not meet federal requirements,” Pope said. “Then, DOT engineers rode every road and rated its pavement condition based on the nationally used pavement condition and evaluation system.

"Then, the roads that were rated worst were put out to bid.”

CW Matthews Contracting was awarded the bid for the projects, which Pope said are expected to begin in the spring.

To date, the transportation department has awarded nearly $600 million in stimulus money projects statewide.

DOT Commissioner Vance Smith Jr. said in a statement that the federal stimulus program is "enabling the department to continue funding important capital projects throughout the state.”

“These projects improve connectivity for residents, improve safety and promote economic development in communities hard hit by the economy.”