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Getting Georgia on the Right Road...
For a 21st Century Transportation Plan
“The time for small ideas and quick fixes on transportation in Georgia has passed. Instead, we should recognize that our state’s economic future rests on our courage in finding long-term solutions.”
- Lt. Governor Casey Cagle
TRANSPORTATION IN GEORGIA
Building Upon a Solid Foundation of Investment
There is no doubt Georgia’s future livelihood depends on the development of a modern transportation system that effectively meets the needs of its citizens and businesses. The globalization of the state's economy means that being connected to the rest of the world is critical to bring jobs to Georgia in the years ahead. Simply put, if Georgia becomes isolated, the economy will suffer. The good news is that the state has invested heavily in the world’s busiest airport and some of the fastest-growing seaports in the world. The agricultural and manufacturing industries in rural Georgia have fueled the state's economy for decades and continue to provide invaluable goods worldwide. From the mountains to the coast, thousands of Georgians have enjoyed a good quality of life because Georgia made these investments in the past for future economic development.
Creating a Statewide Transportation System For 21st Century Georgia
Georgia faces a real danger if its transportation needs are not met and met soon. The corporate headquarters, distribution centers, and specialized manufacturing companies that create jobs for Georgia's citizens cannot have their employees sitting in traffic for hours to get to work. These businesses cannot afford delays in their goods and services getting to market because of inadequate infrastructure.
Georgia must squarely confront mounting traffic congestion with real, long-term solutions that give Georgians meaningful choices. Any comprehensive plan must:
- Develop a world-class road and highway system that effectively utilizes revenue sources, private sector investments, new technologies and innovations in conjunction with a comprehensive, long-term vision for future growth.
- Improve and expand rail transit networks like MARTA to give Georgia's citizens and visitors commuter alternatives.
- Take advantage of this state's world-class resources. Georgia boasts the world’s busiest airport and one of the nation’s largest seaports. To create new jobs and attract new businesses, Georgia must have the ability to efficiently manage freight shipments with a viable transport structure. Any conversation on transportation must include improvements to freight rail, truck transit, and airport capacity.
- Continue to drive accountability and efficiency with transportation funding at the state level, while still exploring the option of new funding for transportation projects that are of critical statewide and regional significance. A critical component of any new funding should be that it allows local citizens to have a say in how their transportation dollars are spent.
No single solution will provide the expansions in road capacity Georgia desperately needs for congestion relief. State and local elected officials must galvanize around the issue of improving the state's transportation infrastructure, thinking outside the box, and investing in a transportation network that meets Georgia's current and future needs.
TRANSPORTATION INITATIVE SPOTLIGHT:
GDOT I-85 HOV to HOT Lane Project
RELATED RESOURCES
Click here for complete information Georgia's Federal Economic Stimulus Transportation Projects
Click here to view GDOT report on proposed county-by-county stimulus projects
SITES OF INTEREST
Georgia Department of Transportation
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA)
Georgia State Road & Tollway Authority
Georgia Regional Transportation Authority
US Department of Transportation
Hartsfield-Jasckson Atlanta International Airport
Associated Document(s):
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Updated Gridlock-new.ppt |
| Download Lt. Gov. Cagle's "Unlocking the Gridlock" presentation to Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce |