By Senator Jeff Mullis
The 2010 Legislative Session was one of the toughest in Georgia history. In January, we faced the worst economic climate since the Great Depression, complete with plummeting state revenues and rising jobless rates. In the end, the Republican-lead legislature delivered a balanced budget, significant tax cuts, and a more streamlined state government. We also accomplished that which few thought we could – a transportation funding package that will set Georgia on the right track for stability and economic recovery.
Fixing the complex transportation problems in Georgia required two strategic aspects; a structure to manage and handle funding appropriately and a funding mechanism. Last year we passed a transportation governance package (SB 200). This year, the General Assembly came together with the governor’s office to agree on the Transportation Investment Act of 2010 (HB 277). This is a comprehensive package that includes voter approval on regional projects, funding those projects, and proper checks and balances for use of taxpayer dollars. Transparency and accountability is of utmost importance when you trust us with your money.
If approved by the voters in a referendum, this legislation provides for a 1 percent regional transportation sales and use tax to be imposed for a period of ten years in 12 newly created special districts, the geographical boundary of each corresponds with and is coterminous with the geographical boundary of the 12 regional commissions. Any good plan must include preparations to receive these funds should you, the voters, approve it. Therefore, this legislation is a three-phase plan so we can complete transportation project efficiently, effectively and with transparency.
First is the criteria phase. During this time, local governments and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) will have the opportunity to review project assessment criteria from the Statewide Strategic Transportation plan and provide feedback to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) on those criteria for their region. Regional Roundtables will be established and consist of two representatives from each county, including the chairperson, sole commissioner, mayor, or chief executive officer of the county and one mayor elected by the mayors of the county. An executive committee will also be elected by the Regional Roundtables to consult with GDOT and help create the draft list of projects for each region. Legislators felt that citizen participation should be more than just a vote on a referendum. You should be involved in every aspect of project development and investment. This is why the bill also includes establishment of a Citizen Review Panel for each region. The Panel must meet in regular session at least three days each year either at the Capitol in Atlanta or at another meeting place within the state. The Panel is charged with reviewing the administration of the projects and programs on the approved investment list. Upon the completion of a project on the investment list, the Panel must annually review the specific public benefits identified in the investment list to ascertain the degree to which such benefits have been attained. This benefit review report must be delivered to the Director and the Commissioner of the Department of Revenue and must be published on the new website. Each of these committees and panels provide significant oversight to a system that desperately needed it.
Stage two is where elected officials, local governments and regions really begin to roll up our sleeves. Local Governments and MPOs receive comments from members of the General Assembly within their districts and then submit project requests to the GDOT Director of Planning. The Director of Planning will use the districts’ investment criteria to assess projects, assemble a “list of example investments,” and deliver it to each executive committee. Executive Committees consult with the DP and choose from the “list of example investments” to create a “draft investment list” for consideration by the full Regional Transportation Roundtable. When the list of project is finalized, it is ready for your approval via referendum.
Stage three is all up to you, the voter. Throughout the criteria and project list stages, General Assembly members and local governments have worked to achieve your input. Now you’ll be presented with the outcome of that input and collaboration for your final approval by your vote. Since this process will take some time, everything must be ready for voter approval for the November 2012 statewide elections.
This bill does much more than transportation funding for projects. Provisions were also made for transit and MARTA, two key elements to a successfully functioning statewide transportation system. The bill creates a standing Georgia Coordinating Committee for Rural and Human Services Transportation to encourage efficient delivery of rural transit and statewide human services transportation programs. It also creates a Transit Governance Study Commission to examine the feasibility of combining all of the metro Atlanta regional public transportation entities into an integrated regional transit body. Funding for rural transportation assistance goes through a tangled web of bureaucratic services, leading to confusion, inefficiencies and ultimately lack of good service. This will provide for better and more efficient transportation services for rural citizens, the elderly and disabled.
MARTA needed great flexibility to use operational funds in order to keep transit moving in Georgia. The Transportation Investment Act suspends the 50/50 restriction on MARTA’s expenditures for a 3-year period (restricted from use on salary and wage increases). It also reforms the MARTA Board, reducing it from 18 members to 11 members, by removing three state appointees and appointees from counties that do not levy a sales tax to fund the system. By reducing the size of the Board, we will achieve greater efficiency of funds and quicker decision making. The new board will consist of three residents of the City of Atlanta, four residents of DeKalb County, three residents of Fulton County and the GDOT Commissioner. GRTA’s Executive Director is a non-voting member. In addition, the bill authorizes Clayton County to hold a referendum on the question of levying a one-percent sales tax to join MARTA and thereby restore C-Tran service.
This is a practical step toward economic growth which makes Georgia more attractive to potential businesses and residents. Investing in our infrastructure and freight corridors will help us move Georgia products, as well as goods and services, through our state. This is a big first step toward reducing the congestion and gridlock that prevents Georgians from easily getting to their jobs and families. The Transportation Investment Act is a comprehensive funding delivery system that coupled with the new governance package will get Georgia moving forward and is truly a transportation triumph for all of Georgia.
I am honored to serve and represent the citizens of Northwest Georgia and the entire state 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, please continue to contact me with your thoughts.
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:
May 7, 2010
For Information Contact:
Raegan Weber, Director
raegan.weber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028