ATLANTA (December 16, 2008) – The Senate and House held a joint meeting of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Overview Committee (MARTOC) today at the state Capitol to discuss an overview of MARTA’s budget and where the system stands financially. Senator John Wiles (R-Marietta) serves as vice chair of the committee with chairwoman Rep. Jill Chambers (R-Atlanta).
“I appreciate that MARTA is feeling the pinch of the economy, but until they prove that taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely, I won’t support a change in funding,” says Wiles. “Funds should be invested in capital rather than operating costs. Georgians came to the Legislature to get MARTA’s attention. It’s our responsibility as an oversight committee to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent appropriately and their concerns are addressed.”
MARTA General Manager and CEO Dr. Beverly Scott presented an overview of the budget and what financial challenges the system faces in the current economic downturn. While ridership increased due to rising gas prices, Dr. Scott pointed to declining sales tax revenues as a contributing factor to budget woes, as 52 percent of MARTA’s operating budget is derived from such revenue. Scott also claims there is underinvestment in Georgia’s transit system.
The committee took a hard look at how taxpayer dollars are being used to fund various MARTA financing projects. These include transit-oriented developments, often referred to as mixed-use developments that combine housing, office and retail space around a transit hub. While these developments have the potential to generate a significant amount of revenue, committee members voiced concerns that the return on investment is not being realized in many of these projects.
Colonial Pipeline Company representative Sam Whitehead delivered a brief presentation on the petroleum carrier’s concerns over pipeline corrosion resulting from electricity generated from nearby MARTA rail lines, but stressed that there is no immediate danger to public safety. Deterioration of the pipes poses potential public health and environmental health and safety concerns. MARTA officials pledged to work with Colonial Pipeline to address the issue immediately.
“MARTA needs to address corrosion protection right away. They have adequate funding to fix and maintain the system. The funds just need to be budgeted appropriately,” said Wiles.
Members of the committee also encouraged MARTA officials to examine changes in existing fares and discounts to help offset a dwindling budget that is threatening the system’s survival.
Sen. John Wiles serves as Chairman of the State and Local Governmental Operations Committee. He represents the 37th Senate District which includes a portion of Cobb County. He may be reached by phone at 404.657.0406 or by e-mail at john.wiles@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
December 16, 2008
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
Kallarin Richards, Senior Communications Specialist
kallarin.richards@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028