ATLANTA (February 29, 2012) – Sen. Curt Thompson (D-Tucker) presented Senate Bill 347 before the Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday, February 28. The bill would immediately affect the development of high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes throughout Georgia.
“While the effort to cut Metro Atlanta’s unbearable commute times is laudable, it has become clear that the HOT lanes were a poorly researched initiative,” said Sen. Thompson. “The typical I-85 commuter has seen their drive time doubled, and those who can afford the steep tolls are watching the costs reach all-time highs.”
“We need to closely re-evaluate the effectiveness and impact of HOT lanes before integrating them into Georgia’s other highly traveled roadways,” said Sen. Thompson.
SB 347 would place a moratorium on the development of HOT lanes in Georgia and would also require the Georgia General Assembly to pass legislation to designate the future return of any and all HOT lanes.
Individuals who testified on the behalf of SB 347 included Southern Environmental Law Center attorney Brian Gist and concerned citizen Howard Rogers, who organized a Gwinnett Town Hall meeting in late 2011 to address the problematic HOT lanes.
The Senate Transportation Committee only heard testimony on SB 347. A vote on the bill has been tabled until a later date.
RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
March 1, 2012
For Information Contact:
Natalie Dale, Director
Jennifer Yarber
jennifer.yarber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028