June 28, 2001

Vision for Georgia's Transportation Future Presented
GRTA Projects To Improve Mobility, Access

ATLANTA - Governor Roy E. Barnes’ major transportation investment program announced today includes $3.9 billion to move mobility and air quality improvements for metro Atlanta into the fast lane, said Dr. Catherine L. Ross, executive director of the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA).

“All of Georgia will reap the success of the hard work that has gone into creating the transportation projects we outlined today,” said Ross. “Over the next five years we will provide more transportation choices for all of Georgia, making it easer for all of us to get where we want to go, when we want to go there.”

Governor Barnes, Ross and Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner J. Tom Coleman, Jr. outlined a program of public transportation and road construction projects that will significantly improve mobility and access in Georgia over the next five years.

In the Atlanta region, GRTA will be responsible for seven projects in the program. They include:

• Northwest Corridor Light Rail - $2.8 billion
  To provide passenger rail service from Town Center, to Cumberland and Midtown Atlanta;

• Commuter Express buses - $162 million
  To serve commuters along the Athens-, Canton- and Macon-to-Atlanta corridors;

• Regional Express buses - $159 million
  To serve commuters and non-commuters in the 13-county nonattainment area of Metropolitan Atlanta;

• Activity Center Circulator Systems (ACCESS) - $38 million
  To link transit systems with major employment and shopping centers;

• Regional Commuter Rail - $446 million
  To provide passenger rail service between Macon and Atlanta.

• Arterial Road Improvements - $350 million
  Road intersection and other improvements to eliminate “choke points” and improve traffic flow and support development of bus services.

 “Our goal is a balanced transportation system that serves the needs of all the people,” said Ross.

She pointed out that some of the projects will be financed in whole or in part by GARVEE bonds (“Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicles”) under legislation approved by the Georgia General Assembly this year in establishing the State Road and Tollway Authority.

 “With the creation of GRTA and the bond financing program, the Legislature has given Governor Barnes the tools he needs to power us into the fast lane and really make a difference in easing metro Atlanta’s transportation gridlock,” Ross added.

“Many of us have been eager to work on this vision, wanting our programs to be implemented now, wanting to see buses rolling, rail lines being built, concrete being poured - and all of it designed with air quality and quality of life enhancements as key elements,” she said. “Now we can get it done.”