State's most diverse transportation coalition launched

November 7, 2007

More than 30 groups in Georgia have launched the most diverse statewide transportation coalition pushing for transportation funding solutions in the 2008 legislative session.

The coalition includes the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, the Regional Business Coalition, MARTA, the Atlanta Regional Commission, the Association County Commissioners of Georgia, the Georgia Transit Association, the Georgia Highway Contractors Association, the Sierra Club and others.

The coalition is recommending measures to help deal with Georgia's remarkable economic and population growth: 

Allow a new sales tax funding mechanism to relieve congestion and promote economic development across Georgia.

Optimize current revenue sources,in part by dedicating a percentage of certain existing taxes and fees to transportation.

Invest in transit and transportation options, including tax credits for certain public transit expenses; donating state land to the Beltline;

adequately funding rail; and promoting commute alternatives, teleworking credits, flex work hours and congestion pricing.

Support innovative funding programs, including pursuing private investment to complement other funding sources and improving the ability of Community Improvement Districts to leverage state and federal dollars.

Participants in the coalition include:

Association County Commissioners of Georgia

Atlanta Regional Commission

Civic League for Metro Atlanta Clean Air Campaign Community Improvement District Alliance

Council for Quality Growth

CSX

Evermore – Hwy 78 CID

Georgia Asphalt Pavement Association

Georgia Association of Regional Development Centers

Georgia Automobile Dealers Association

Georgia Chamber of Commerce

Georgia Construction Aggregate Association

Georgia Department of Transportation

Georgia Engineering Alliance

Georgia Highway Contractors Association

Georgia Motor Trucking Association

Georgia Municipal Association

Georgia Policy and Budget Institute

Georgia Power Company

Georgia Public Policy Foundation

Georgia Railroad Association

Georgia Regional Transportation Authority

Georgia Transit Association

Georgians for Better Transportation

Governor's Office of Highway Safety

Livable Communities Coalition

Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce

Metropolitan Atlanta Regional Transit Authority

Norfolk Southern

Regional Business Coalition

Sierra Club, Georgia Chapter

Transit Planning Board