State Transportation Issues
Council for Quality Growth Serves as Co-host for ACEC Georgia’s P3 Summit on May 14th
The American Council of Engineering Companies of Georgia, or ACEC Georgia will hold their annual P3 summit on May 14th at the Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart. The program will begin at 8:00am and last most of the day. The conference will focus on P3 legislation with regard to projects in the state of Georgia. Speakers include the following: Senator Brandon Beach Senator Hunter Hill Jeff Lewis, Georgia DOT Board Member Tim Lowe, Chairman of World Congress Center Authority Chris Tomlinson, Executive Director of State Road and Toll...
read moreGovernor Signs House Bill 202: Lifts Regulations and Frees DOT Funding for Interstate Highways Based on State Needs
The General Assembly passed House Bill 202 during the 2013 Session and at first glance, it appears to be a routine bill. When you read the bill and the law behind it, one is able to see, in a post-TSPLOST world, this legislation will make a major impact on the Metro Region’s transportation future. Governor Deal signed the bill, which allows the state DOT the flexibility to allocate federal transportation funds for interstate improvements and certain freight corridor projects based on needs of the state, instead of equally among...
read moreCommon Sense Economic Development vs. Byzantine Environmental Regulations
Last week, Council for Quality Growth President & CEO Michael Paris presented in the AJC Op-Ed Section, a balanced perspective on protecting and respecting the environment and the states vital infrastructure and transportation needs. This is in response to a single Indiana Bat disrupting over $450 in infrastructure in Georgia. To read the editorial Click HERE To read contrasting editorials to the Council for Quality Growth by Cindy Dohner, with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Glenn Bowman, administrator of Environmental Services...
read moreTSPLOST: Metro Atlanta Region and other State Regions Vote Breakdown
The Referendum passed three out of twelve regions: Central Savannah River Region, River Valley Region and the Heart of Georgia Region. In the Metro Atlanta region, the No voters totaled 418,423 representing 62% and Yes voters totaled 251,778 representing 38%. Below are the county by county results for the Atlanta Region followed by the Statewide Regional Results. Atlanta Region County by County...
read moreElections Have Consequences: The Next Steps for Transportation
After voters rejected their chance to have input and a voice in the transportation project list and process, Governor Deal announced the direction Georgiawill now take in our infrastructure needs. The matter of a second chance for the voters to approve a TSPLOST was quickly settled, with the Governor announcing that there was no appetite from his office or the General Assembly for a second chance. Instead, Governor Deal, in conjunction with Georgia DOT will now pick specific projects (including the I-285/400 Interchange), but many projects...
read morePort of Savannah Shares National Spotlight
Last week the dredging of the port of Savannah was named among seven infrastructure projects of national significance.Those projects on the list have been moved to the express lane for completion and final federal review of the projects is set for completion by November. The deepening of the port is just one component of President Barack Obama’s “We Can’t Wait” Initiative, and is widely regarding as the most important infrastructure improvement project in the state. Other ports on the Eastern Seaboard will also undergo renovations and...
read moreRevenues Take Off as Airports land Georgia Additional Taxes
he Georgia Department of Transportation released figures this past Thursday showing an additional 137 million dollars provided by the states airports. Georgia has a number of airports, 104 to be exact; these airports support approximately 417,000 jobs statewide paying nearly 17.8 billion dollars in wages. Georgia’s airports are an essential piece to the economic development of the Region and state and are directly tied to the success of the states seaports as well. Many of the states airports rank nationally in size and salaries of local...
read moreAll That Driving may Prevent you From Thriving: Your Waistline may not be the Only Thing Needing a Trim
A recent study shows that commutes longer than fifteen miles can lead to obesity, increased belly fat, high blood pressure and lack of exercise. The study, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, included more than 4,200 adults who commuted to work in two Texas cities. The study found that people who commuted more than fifteen miles a day were more likely to be obese, have increased amounts of belly fat and were also less likely to get an adequate amount of exercise than those who commuted less than five miles a day. The...
read moreSavannah Harbor Expansion Project Final Reports Released
The Army Corps of Engineers has released their final General Re-evaluation Report (GRR) and an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) regarding the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project (SHEP). The GRR and EIS sought to analyze engineering alternatives, environmental impacts, and the costs and benefits of the SHEP, in addition to projecting future attributes of shipping fleets and trade routes. The final report was created with the assistance of several Federal and State agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency and the Georgia Ports...
read moreHouse Passes Legislation To Free Up Motor-Fuel Tax Dollars
On Friday, the House passed HB 806, a bill sponsored by Jay Roberts (R – Ocilla) that would allow gas tax funds to carry over from year to year. Additionally, the bill would allow GDOT access to $1 billion in gas tax funds to spend on projects throughout the state. The legislation has earmarked approximately $300 million of this revenue to fund the I-75/575 managed toll lane project. Previously, the toll road was to be financed through a public-private partnership, but that plan was rejected due to disagreement between the parties...
read moreARC Releases Economic Analysis of Regional Transportation Referendum
The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) has completed an economic analysis of the 2012 Regional Transportation Referendum highlighting positive impacts in the region through 2040, including: 4 to 1 return on investment Creation & support of 200,000 regional jobs, including; The creation of 34,000 new construction jobs $9.2 billion in travel time savings The additional funding which would be provided by the 2012 RTR is necessary because the current source of transportation funding, which comes from gasoline taxes, is in...
read moreAtlanta Regional Roundtable’s Cobb Representatives Seek to Change Regional Transportation Referendum Project List
Cobb County Board of Commissioners Chairman Tim Lee and Kennesaw Mayor Mark Mathews are seeking to change the Regional Transportation Referendum Project List to reduce funding for transit and add the I-75/575 reversible toll lanes. State Senators Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) and Lindsey Tippins (R-west Cobb) and State Representative Earl Ehrhart (R-Powder Springs) are also supporting reopening the project list. This proposed change would require the state legislature to reopen HB 277 in order to allow changes to be made to the project...
read moreGeorgia DOT Commissioner Resigns
Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner Vance Smith announced his resignation effective December 31st at a special called board meeting on September 7th. Board Chairman Rudy Bowen said the board felt if was time for the department to “go in a different direction.” The GDOT board elected Smith in June 2009 to replace Gena Evans. The interim commissioner will be GDOT’s director of operations, Keith Golden, who was appointed deputy commissioner. Mr. Smith will serve in an advisory role until the board hires a...
read moreNational Transportation Institute
Governor Deal announced Georgia intends to pursue federal funds to create a new National Transportation Institute at Georgia Tech on May 10th. The announcement was made at the 2011 Georgia Logistics Summit. The National Transportation Institute designation from the U.S. Department of Transportation is expected to bring $2.25 million a year in federal funds. The University of Georgia, Georgia Southern University, Georgia State University, Spelman College and Southern Polytechnic State University would become partners in the endeavor. ...
read moreATTENTION: Transportation Survey
Your participation is urgent Residents will have the opportunity to vote on a penny sales tax to fund a set of priority transportation projects for metro Atlanta in the summer of 2012. Members of the Atlanta Regional Roundtable are working with residents to create a list of transportation projects that voters can support. Public input is critical toward helping guide the Atlanta Regional Roundtable in developing the best list possible. Please take a moment to answer the five minute survey found here and share your thoughts on the...
read moreRegional Transportation Sales Tax Campaign Team
The Metro Atlanta Voter Education Network (MAVEN) and Citizens for Transportation Mobility (CTM) have selected the campaign team responsible for advancing the one-cent regional transportation sales tax up for consideration on July 31, 2012. After evaluating over 30 proposals encompassing 2,400 pages and interviewing several impressive team and individuals, a general consultant and campaign manager was selected. Glenn Totten and Paul Bennecke will provide the campaign management and general consulting leadership for the referendum...
read moreTransit Governance Resolution
The Atlanta Regional Roundtable adopted a transit governance resolution on April 27th. The resolution calls for transit governance for the counties that have transit in metro Atlanta. Currently, metro Atlanta counties that have transit operate it independently without a central governing entity in the region. The resolution passed by a unanimous vote. The Atlanta Regional Roundtable Executive Committee will meet again on May 25th from 9:30 am to 12:00 pm. The Atlanta Regional Roundtable is tasked with making a project list...
read moreBrandon Beach Named Chair of P3 Committee
State Transportation Board Member Brandon Beach was named Chairman of the Board’s Public Private Partnership (P3) Committee on April 20th. Board Chairman Rudy Bowen appointed Beach to replace David Doss whose Board term ended this month. Mr. Beach is President and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce. The P3 Committee is tasked with securing and guiding private sector investment for major transportation projects in Georgia.
read moreRegional Roundtable Executive Committee Meeting
The Atlanta Regional Roundtable will meet for the first time on March 25, 2011. The Executive Committee will discuss the objectives of the committee, how the project selection process will operate and public outreach. The meeting will be at the ARC Ampitheater, Level C from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. You can read the full agenda here.
read moreRegional Roundtable Executive Committee Meeting
The Atlanta Regional Roundtable will meet for the first time on March 25, 2011. The Executive Committee will discuss the objectives of the committee, how the project selection process will operate and public outreach. The meeting will be at the ARC Ampitheater, Level C from 9:30 am to 11:30 am. You can read the full agenda...
read moreSavannah Harbor Expansion Project Update
President Barack Obama released the 2012 fiscal budget proposal on Monday, February 14th. The president’s proposed budget includes $600,000 in “preconstruction” funds for deepening the harbor in Savannah. Several state leaders were disappointed since the project requires $105 million in federal help this year. The total cost is expected to be about $551 million. Deepening the harbor will allow Savannah to compete with other Atlantic ports when bigger ships begin passing through the Panama Canal in 2015. ...
read moreNew GDOT Board Members
The state legislative caucus held board elections for the Georgia Transportation Board on February 9th. The caucus elected Robert Brown (4th District), Emily Dunn (9th District), Don Grantham (10th District) and Jeff Lewis defeated sitting board member David Doss to win the 11th district. These four members will be a part one of the most poweful boards in the state which exercises general control and supervision of the Department. The Council would like to congratulate the newest members of the GDOT Board.
read moreGDOT Board Elections
The state legislative caucus will hold elections for the Georgia Transportation Board in the 4th, 9th, 10th and 11th districts. Georgia DOT is governed by a 13-member State Transportation Board which exercises general control and supervision of the Department. According to the GDOT website, board members are elected by a majority of the Georgia General Assembly caucus from each of Georgia’s thirteen congressional districts. Each board member serves a five-year term. The election to fill all four seats will be held in the Senate...
read moreRevive285 top end Update
Revive285 top end project is hosting a series of community transportation open houses. The open houses are an opportunity for citizens to learn more about how the project will affect transit and roadways in the corridor and voice their feedback. The Council encourages public participation in this process and you can learn more about the open houses here.
read moreRegional Transit Governance
The Regional Transit Governance Committee introduced a transit governance legislation concept outline at their meeting on Wednesday, January 26th. This type of legislation would establish a regional transit governance structure in Atlanta. Many think a regional transit governance structure would help the sales tax referendum up for approval in August 2012. The ARC will deliver the proposed legislation to the Transit Governance Study Commission led by Representative Donna Sheldon. You can read some of the guiding principles of the...
read moreSavannah Harbor Expansion Project
The Director of Administration, James McCurry, of the Georgia Ports Authority presented at the Council’s Strategic Planning Session on Thursday, January 27th. Mr. McCurry shared the latest news regarding the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project (SHEP). The GPA is working closely with federal and state agencies toward the approval of the proposed deepening of the Savannah River by up to six feet. This will allow the Port of Savannah to more efficiently accomodate larger cargo and vessel types. You can learn more about SHEP at the...
read moreRegional Roundtable Update
The Regional Roundtable met on January 13th. Mayor Kasim Reed was appointed to the five-member executive committee. The executive committee decides the list of transportation projects for the entire 21-member roundtable to vote on in October. Funding for this list of projects will be decided by voters during the 2012 primary. The addition of Reed will give Atlanta and Fulton County a voice on the executive panel. The roundtable also elected Norcross Mayor Bucky Johnson chairman of the roundtable and non-voting chairman of the...
read moreRevive285 top end Website
Revive285 top end is redesigning the project website. The project team is improving the website to make the site easier to use, interact with, navigate and learn about the project. Initiated in 2006, the Georgia Department of Transportation’s and the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority’sRevive285 top end project has been in the process of the development, identification and selection of solutions to improve congestion, safety, system linkage and transportation options on this vital corridor. You can visit the new...
read moreAtlanta Regional Roundtable Meeting
The Atlanta Regional Roundtable met on December 17th. This was the first official meeting for entity devoted to establishing the investment criteria and a project investment list constituents can support for the transportation referendum in August 2012. The Regional Roundtable elected Mayor Mark Mathews (Kennesaw), Mayor Bill Floyd (Decatur), Commissioner Tom Worthan (Douglas County), Mayor Bucky Johnson (Norcross) and Chairwoman BJ Mathis (Henry County) to serve as members of the Executive Committee. The Regional Roundtable also...
read moreTransit Governance Study Commission
The Transit Governance Study Commission met on December 7th. The commission was created under the Transportation Investment Act of 2010 and is working on a report regarding the feasibility of combining all the public transportation entities in the Atlanta region into an integrated regional transit body. Guests at there recent meeting included Steve Schlickman from the University of Chicago and Cal Marcela from the Colorado transit system. Both gentlemen discussed how transit has impacted citizens in Chicago and Colorado. Other speakers...
read moreRevive 285 top end FAQ
Initiated in 2006, the Georgia Department of Transportation’s and the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority’s Revive285 top end project has been in the process of the development, identification and selection of solutions to improve congestion, safety, system linkage and transportation options on this vital corridor. GDOT and GRTA announced in 2010 that four solutions or alternatives (narrowed from eight reviewed in 2009) were advancing for further consideration. These alternatives are currently undergoing the final stages...
read moreFinal Recommended Criteria
The GDOT Director of Planning, Todd Long, released the final recommended criteria for the Atlanta 10 – County Special Tax District on November 9th. Prior to the release of the final criteria, the Council reviewed the draft investment criteria and submitted comments on behalf of our members September 30th. The final recommened criteria will be a basis for the development of an investment list of projects and programs to relieve congestion and gridlock in the metro area by the Regional Roundtable. The Regional Roundtable will meet...
read moreRevive 285 Interactive Mapping Tool
Revive285 top end recently relaunched their interactive mapping tool, which allows a user to examine in detail the four alternatives under consideration along the entire cooridor. The tool, covering approximately 16 miles of roads, bridges, neighborhoods and businesses on the top end cooridor of I-285 between I-75 and I-85, shows how each alternative may look in any location of interest. You can click here to learn more about the mapping tool and access it...
read moreTransportation Sales Tax Referendum
The Council for Quality Growth is part of the working “Group of Six” designated by a larger group of more than 50 other stakeholders in the business industry toward working on the advancement of HB 277. The purpose of our group is to develop a comprehensive strategy on the successful implementation of the Transportation Investment Act of 2010. Our efforts will center on education and advocacy. Our education initiative will come under the Metro Atlanta Voter Education Network Inc and our advocacy initiative will be headed up by the...
read moreTransportation Resolution
Senate Resolution 821 amends the Georgia Constitution and allows the Georgia Department of Transportation to enter into multi-year construction agreements. Currently, GDOT is required to have all the funds when a multi-year project contract is signed. SR 821 would allow Georgia DOT to pay for the project as it is being constructed. You can learn more here.
read moreTransportation Funding
Comments are due regarding the Draft Criteria for the development of the investment list per the Transportation Investment Act of 2010 by September 30, 2010. You may send comments toTIA@dot.ga.gov You can learn more HERE.
read moreState Infrasructure Bank
The Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank distributed the first round of grants to area Community Improvement Districts on June 30th. The GTIB was established by the State Legislature in 2008 as a way for local government entities to access low interest loans from a revolving fund. In addition to the 33 million available as loans, SRTA annoucned that grants were issued to Metro area CIDs, most of which are partners with the Council for Quality Growth. These CIDs will use these funds, along with existing funds to imrpove traffic...
read moreGDOT Board
On June 17th, the GDOT Board elected Rudy Bowen as its new chairman. Mr. Bowen is a longtime member of the Council for Quality Growth, and we congratulate him on this achievement. He lives in Suwanee, GA and represents the 7th Congrssional District.
read moreGwinnett HOT Lanes
n June 17th, the GDOT Board voted to move forward on th proposed HOT lane conversion project on I-85 between Spaghetti Junction and Old Peachtree Road. The approval means that GDOT will now begin acceptig bids on the proposed project. The project would include construction of managed HOT lanes on I-85 NB and SB where the existing HOV lanes are constructed. The proposal was deferred in May over concerns about the tolling technology, but the Board chose to move forward and continue to monitor those concerns.
read moreMARTA I-20 East Transit Initative
MARTA announced on April 26 the I-20 East Transit Initative Detailed Corridor Analysis and Draft Environmental Impact Statement. The study seeks to identify transit investments that would improve east-west mobility and accessibility to jobs and housing within the corridor; provide convenient and efficient transit service to accomodate the increasing transit demands within the corridor; and support corridor economic developnent and revitalization. I-20 East...
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