ATLANTA (March 22, 2010) – The State Senate voted 37 to 9 Thursday to pass Sen. Curt Thompson’s (D-Norcross) MARTA Rail Expansion bill (SB 285), which will allow more metro Atlanta counties to utilize MARTA’s rapid rail system.
“Our city has some of the worst traffic in the nation. We must work swiftly to create alternative transportation methods for our citizens before the situation is too far gone,” said Thompson. “Expanding existing MARTA lines can bring more economic development to the state, ease congestion and improve our environment.”
Thompson’s bill removes provisions prohibiting MARTA from providing rapid transit contracts to areas beyond MARTA’s existing rail system. While the bill will allow for the extension of existing rail lines into counties, it does not force any metro county to accept MARTA or other transit contracts. He hopes this legislation will encourage metro counties to expand rapid transit lines and turn Atlanta into a more accessible city.
The bill was passed with a wider margin than it did two years ago, thanks to added Republican support. Thompson worked across party lines in the Senate and plans to do the same in the House. He proposed similar legislation in 2008, which passed the Senate, but got held up in the House. Thompson hopes the House will see the economic benefits and will support passing SB 285.
“If we want to be a competitor for future business, we must address our traffic and transit issues,” said Thompson. “This bill will make it easier for counties to introduce rapid transit, and ease their traffic headaches.”
Thompson will continue working to develop more bipartisan support as the bill moves through the House.
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Sen. Curt Thompson represents the 5th Senate District which includes portions of DeKalb and Gwinnett counties. He may be reached by phone at 404.463.1318 or by e-mail at curt.thompson@senate.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
March 22, 2010
For Information Contact:
Natalie Strong, Deputy Press Director
Jennifer Kitt, Press Office Coordinator
Jennifer.Kitt@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028