ACTION ALERT – Joint Transportation Study Group to Meet Near You

Did you know that All Georgians now subsidize Atlanta’s middle class commuters through the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA) for Xpress bus service in metro Atlanta? For some reason, they cannot raise the fare. See the report.

Did you know that of the 4% sales tax on gasoline that consumers pay in Georgia, 25% of that tax goes to the state general fund instead of being utilized directly on transportation needs?

Did you know that Georgia’s Statewide Transportation Plan 2005-2035 has an estimated cost of $160 billion? Yet, only $86 billion is expected to be available for transportation spending over that period. That leaves a funding gap of $74 billion.

WHERE DO YOU THINK THE REST OF THAT MONEY IS GOING TO COME FROM? It’s time to make your voices heard.

HR 1573 created a joint study committee of 16 members for the purpose of identifying new sources and methods of funding for critical transportation infrastructure needs. The committee will include the chairs of the House and Senate Transportation Committees, who will serve as co-chairs. The presiding officers of each chamber will appoint three legislative members and one citizen member. Other members include the chairpersons of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees, the president and CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce or designee, the president and CEO of the Metro-Atlanta Chamber of Commerce or designee, the executive director of the Association County Commissioners of Georgia, and the executive director of the Georgia Municipal Association. The committee is authorized for eight days and will make recommendations to the legislature by November 30, 2014.

The Joint Study Committee on Critical Transportation Infrastructure Funding will be holding public information meetings on the following tentative dates and cities. There will be time for public comment. You are encouraged to attend so that your concerns can be heard.

August 18th Columbus
September 2nd Tifton
September 3rd Macon
September 30th Augusta
October 1st Savannah
October 28th Rome
October 29th Blue Ridge

The first meeting was held in Atlanta on August 5th. Georgia DOT Commissioner Keith Golden gave a presentation on Transportation in Georgia. Some of the suggestions discussed:

Putting the 4th penny of the gas tax back in the transportation fund
Legislation to allow fractional SPLOST
Raise the gas tax
Multi-jurisdictional (2 or more counties) SPLOSTS like those proposed by Ed Setzler in HB195.
Keeping gas tax revenue in the state instead of sending it to Washington. There are strings attached with federal money which increase costs and causes delays. See the Transportation Empowerment Act proposed by Congressman Tom Graves.
Mileage meters on cars (tax on miles driven)
Autonomous cars
More HOT lanes (toll roads)
Although the TSPLOST was defeated in 9 out of 12 regions, HB 277, the TSPLOST law is still on the books. Now is the time to make your voices heard. Contact the House Staff: Tracy Atcheson (404) 656-1782 for exact locations and confirmation of the meeting dates and times.

This message is being sent by the Transportation Leadership Coalition and is not affiliated with the General Assembly legislators or staff.

Please help spread the word by forwarding this email to all interested parties you think will be affected.

Thanks,

Transportation Leadership Coalition, LLC
800-821-0102
www.repealregionalism.com
www.traffictruth.net

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