Troup County officials learned Tuesday that 15 of their 18 road projects have made the state’s “priority list,” the next phase in the process of awarding $932 million in federal stimulus money.

One important project, however, did not make the cut.

A proposed traffic light at South Davis and Upper Big Springs roads, which has been a priority for La-Grange and Troup County officials for years, is not on the list. County engineer James Emery said Tuesday it requires an environmental permit if any right of way has to be purchased for the construction.

“We’ve still applied for state aid grants for that project, and we hope it comes through,” Emery said. The project is estimated at $1.25 million.

County Commission Chairman Ricky Wolfe was disappointed with the news. He had said jokingly Friday that it took a total meltdown of the economy to get a light at the intersection, where he said another collision was reported Saturday. Davis Road is in the crosshairs of much of the development - and increased traffic - on the east side of LaGrange.

“Apparently the economy isn’t bad enough,” Wolfe said Tuesday, adding that he plans to “interject himself” into the debate at the state Department of Transportation and get the light installed.

“It’s a shame because this is something the city and county all are in agreement on,” he said.

Diverse Power, which has a headquarters building at the intersection, even has offered to contribute to the project.

“They want the light for their employees and their customers,” he said.

Other projects not on the list include $2.6 million for LaGrange bypass phase two, from New Franklin Road to Mooty Bridge Road, and $306,000 for widening Gabbettville Road from Kia Boulevard to U.S. 29.

Emery said Gabbettville Road may have been wrongly categorized in the first round of the state’s cuts and there’s a good chance it still could be funded with stimulus money. In the case of the bypass, an environmental permit - the same type needed for the South Davis Road traffic light project - has not been received. The county still plans to get the permit, but to be eligible for federal money, rights of way cannot be purchased until after the permit is secured. In the case of the bypass, rights of way have been acquired.

Emery said the county has applied for state aid for the bypass as well and is hoping the state money will come through.

The rest of the county’s stimulus transportation projects now will be prioritized by the state, which then will decide which to ultimately fund with stimulus money. The state received requests for 850 projects, totaling $2.5 billion, with just $932 million in available federal money.

The list includes $25.3 million for the 6.1-mile South Loop project between Roanoke Road and Whitesville Road. Other projects on the list are for 52.4 miles of resurfacing on South State Line, Upper Glass Bridge, West Point, Upper Big Springs, Stovall, Shoemaker, Hammett, Rock Mills, Pyne, Waugh, Ware’s Cross, Lower Glass Bridge, Hines and Willowood roads.

Emery said the state hasn’t said when it will decide on the final projects.

Jennifer Shrader may be reached at jshrader@lagrangenews.com or at (706) 884-7311, Ext. 236.