The GRTA board unanimously approved the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) that was developed and adopted March 22 by the Atlanta Regional Commission. The TIP now goes to officials of the U.S. Department of Transportation, who will determine whether it moves the region toward compliance with the Clean Air Act.

That determination is needed before the region can regain the ability to freely spend federal transportation funds. Thirteen metro Atlanta counties have not been allowed to start new road projects for two years because of poor air quality. That restriction has limited the region’s ability to address traffic congestion.

In approving the TIP, the GRTA board pledged to work with the Atlanta Regional Commission to insure that the plan is implemented. Federal officials had raised concerns about the region’s ability to carry out some projects that are projected to improve air quality, and had asked local governments for written assurances they would support the plan.

Although some local governments balked at giving those assurances, there is a high level of commitment to the plan across the region, said GRTA Executive Director Catherine Ross. “A great deal of progress has been made, and the region is to be commended.”

Ross said the TIP represents a commitment to provide more transportation choices in the region, with most of the $1.9 billion over three years allocated to buses, trains, van pools, bicycle/pedestrian improvements, HOV lanes and other non-road projects.

“The glass is half full, not half empty,” said Ross

The TIP also includes a number of important road projects, including:

- A ramp from Ga. 400 to I-85 northbound in Atlanta. - Widening of SR 92 in Cherokee County. - Widening of Atlanta Road from Austell Road to the 120 Loop in Marietta. - Extension of Perimeter Center Parkway from Hammond Drive to Lake Hearn Drive in north DeKalb County. - A new interchange at I-20 and Lithonia Industrial Boulevard in south DeKalb. - Extending Satellite Boulevard in Gwinnett County to SR 20. - Widening of SR 138 in Clayton County.

GRTA Chairman Joel Cowan predicted federal officials will approve the TIP because of GRTA’s commitment to help implement it.