By Senator Jeff Mullis
There is nothing more important to the thousands of Georgians out of work than creating jobs and turning around this economy. Creating an environment of growth and prosperity must include significant improvements to Georgia’s transportation infrastructure. As Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee for the past three years, I can assure you that there is a direct connection between transportation and the economy. We have made some big strides to improving Georgia, and I’m extremely encouraged by the progress the legislature is already making on transportation this legislative session.
This week, Gov. Perdue, Lt. Gov. Cagle and Speaker Ralston announced a transportation plan that includes the potential for local funding, immediate flexibilities for MARTA, and $300 million in bonds for state wide strategic projects over the next 10 years. In early 2012, citizens will have their opportunity to vote for a one cent regional sales tax that would only go toward local transportation projects they approve. A regional approach to transportation funding has been something the Senate has strongly supported for several years and will continue to advocate for throughout the process. While this bill will likely experience some changes as it works its way through the legislative process, we have a conceptual agreement between our leadership that is a significant step forward. Empowering the people of Georgia to have the final say in how their money is spent, in their local area and on their roads is the best solution for success.
Major improvements will be made to Georgia’s rail system and freight corridors and with the $300 million bond package. We will mitigate congestion and get much-needed goods and services to the freight corridors outside the Atlanta metro area. Savannah has the second largest port in the country. By connecting Savannah to more areas of Georgia without being required to travel through Atlanta, we can make significant improvements to local economies. Finally, I applaud the decision to lift the MARTA restrictions. With the immediate suspension of MARTA’s restrictions for the next three years, MARTA will be allowed to use all of the proceeds from the one cent sales tax for three years instead of having to set aside 50 percent for capital needs.
The Senate is already moving with legislation that supports transportation and economic growth. Georgia’s rest areas and service to travelers along interstate highways will greatly improve if Georgia is allowed to establish partnerships with private sector companies and franchises. The Senate Transportation Committee passed a resolution this week that urges the Georgia Department of Transportation to obtain a waiver from the Federal Highway Administration that would allow commercial operations in rest areas along the interstates in Georgia (SB 305). The goal is to partner with a private sector to help maintain of rest areas, keep them open later, serve more people, and help local economies. In many welcome centers around the country, we’ve witnessed the success of convenience and economic growth thanks to these partnerships.
Recently the Senate sent the House a resolution that would authorize the Georgia Department of Transportation to enter into more construction contracts for buildings, bridges and approaches, rail corridors, and limited or controlled access projects. Current law authorizes GDOT to use the design-build procedure for contracting with no more than 15 percent of the total construction projects awarded in the previous fiscal year. Senate Resolution 822 will increase the allotted percentage of projects to 30 percent. We will double the amount of transportation construction projects and get them done more efficiently, growing jobs and improving Georgia’s infrastructure.
The 2010 Legislative Session is off to a great start to improving transportation and growing Georgia’s economy. I am honored to serve and represent the 53rd Senate District in the State Senate and as the Senate Transportation Chairman. I am working diligently to move Georgia forward for the citizens of this great state with an improved plan of economic development and transportation. As I work for you this session, please continue to contact me with your thoughts, questions and concerns.
Sen. Jeff Mullis serves as Chairman of the Transportation Committee. He represents the 53rd Senate district which includes Chattooga, Dade, and Walker counties and portions of Catoosa County. He can be reached at his office in Atlanta at 404.656.0057 or by email at jeff.mullis@senate.ga.gov.
COLUMN
For Immediate Release:
February 12, 2010
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
raegan.weber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028