Clairmont Heights Civic Association

From Betty Willis, Clifton Community Partnership : As most of you may already know, the Georgia General Assembly approved an historic transportation funding bill last night, following three years of hard fought efforts. It passed by overwelming bi-partisan margins of 141 to 29 in the House, and 43 to 8 in the Senate. The legislation provides for a one penny regional sales tax for an initial period of ten years, to be voted on in a referendum by citizens in the 2012 general primary.

The bill creates 12 pre-defined regional districts of up to 18 counties each across the state, with DeKalb being in the 10-county ARC region. “Regional roundtables” comprised of local elected officials-- the county commission chairs and one mayor from each county in a region-- will develop a project list that includes all transportation modes (roads, rail, sea and air, passenger and freight rail) to be eligible for funding. However, funds raised through the new tax cannot be spent on MARTA operations, maintenance or increases in compensation or benefits. The bill does give MARTA a three year reprieve on current funding restrictions requiring 50% be used for capital and 50% for operations. Should the referendum pass in the Metro Atlanta region, it will generate approximately $790 million annually for regional projects over 10 years. With federal matching funds, this could be well over $1 billion new dollars each year.

Last night’s victory represented what can be achieved when Republicans and Democrats set aside political posturing and come together for the greater good of our community and the citizens of Georgia. I hope you will join me in applauding the leadership shown by Governor Perdue and the Legislature, with special thanks to Lt. Governor Cagle, Speaker Ralston, the House and Senate conferees, Senate Pro Tem Tommie Williams and Atlanta Mayor Reed, for the critical roles they played in helping to bring this bill to fruition. Once Governor Perdue signs the bill, we will begin the two year process of working with the counties in our region to compile a project list that will be strongly supported when it comes before the voters in 2012. The participation of the CCP Advisory Group will be critical and I look forward to working with you to ensure the transportation needs in the Clifton Corridor will be well represented.

In the meantime, please take the opportunity to thank those legislators who supported the bill and know I am deeply grateful for the efforts you made to help make this happen.

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[This additional message arrived 4/23/10:]

Attached is an excellent summary of House Bill 277, the transportation bill that passed the General Assembly Wednesday night, prepared by the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG).  I thought you might find it helpful.

While this bill is not perfect, it is a great start and we have the next two years to work with the Legislature to make revisions.  I will continue to work with a coalition of organizations that includes the Regional Business Coalition (represents the 15 Metro Atlanta area chambers of commerce and Central Atlanta Progress); the Georgia Chamber; Atlanta Regional Commission; MARTA; Georgians for Better Transportation and others, as we move forward with the next (and even more challenging) phase of the process of convincing voters to approve the referendum in 2012 and ensuring the appropriate projects are included on the list.  Your participation in the next leg of this journey will be so important and I appreciate your continued interest and support.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Many thanks and I hope everyone has a great weekend.

Betty

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With warm regards,

Betty

Betty E. Willis

Senior Associate Vice President

Governmental and Community Affairs

Emory University 

Executive Director

Clifton Community Partnership

1599 Clifton Road, Fifth Floor

Atlanta, GA 30322

Phone: 404.727.5312

Fax: 404.727.5313

email: betty.willis@emory.edu

www.emory.edu/GCA

www.cliftoncommunitypartnership.org