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Tuesday, May 13, 2008
DOT commissioner outlines reform goals
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia needs more transportation funding, and it needs to look beyond roads and bridges to improve mobility in the Atlanta region.
That’s what Gena Abraham, who recently became commissioner of the Georgia Department of Transportation, told people attending today’s luncheon sponsored by the Georgia Public Policy Foundation.
Abraham reviewed what her tasks have been in the last several months, from getting a handle on all of GDOT’s projects to figuring out which ones are top priority to working with other transportation agencies in an effort to attack the the traffic problems in our region and state.
She told luncheon folks that it was “unrealistic” for people to believe “we can build ourselves out of this with roads and bridges.”
For example, Abraham said she was especially excited about pushing commuter rail beginning with a line between Lovejoy and Atlanta. The big question is figuring out how to pay for the commuter rail’s longterm operating and maintenance costs.
Then she added that in a visit to several cities around the country looking at other commuter rail systems, Abraham observed that “rail is typically subsidized in some form or fashion” by as much as 70 percent.
After the meeting, Abraham said that she is making an effort to include MARTA at every discussion on regional transportation with the other agencies - the Atlanta Regional Commission, the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority and the State Road and Tollway Authority.
“MARTA will be the backbone of our transit system,” Abraham said, adding that she is most impressed with MARTA’s new general manager. “Dr. Beverly Scott is awesome.”
Abraham also said a challenge will be to find innovative and alternative ways to finance transportation projects. The department has been studying public-private partnerships on new toll roads and the possibility of converting High Occupancy Vehicle lanes to managed lanes, also known as HOT lanes. That’s where people pay extra to be able to drive on freer flowing lanes.
By the way, the sponsor for the lunch was Transurban, an Australian company that invests and/or builds toll roads.
Transurban has just opened an office in Atlanta to cover the Southeast. The Atlanta office is headed by Bill Berry, who said his firm has eight toll road projects across the country.
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Sam Olens speaks bluntly about Atlanta region
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Speaking to the Council for Quality Growth, Cobb Chairman Sam Olens did not mince words about the Atlanta region’s strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities.
Olens, who is also chairman of the Atlanta Regional Commission, has become more vocal about his frustrations with the state’s lack of attention to metro Atlanta’s issues.
The Republican leader has become increasingly critical of some of his fellow Republicans at the state capitol, especially on addressing the state’s infrastructure issues of transportation, water, health care and economic development.
Olens first outlined the region’s strengths. A highly educated workforce with excellent colleges and universities. A growing city of Atlanta with more tourist attractions. Strong closer-in suburbs (such as Cobb and Gwinnett) with more entertainment facilities. Good relationships between regional government, business and philanthropic leaders, showing maturity on dealing with issues. Suburbs that “aren’t lily white anymore,” which contributes to the region’s cultural offerings.
Then the weaknesses.
“We are too reliant on the car,” said Olens, adding that there’s not enough transit.
Then Olens outlined other weaknesses. He said he was “sick” over the 19 years of litigation between Georgia, Alabama and Florida over water. The state’s lack of effective economic development incentives to attract corporate headquarters and high-paying jobs. A state that “insufficiently supports infrastructure,” especially in the region.
The threats? “We’re losing high-paying jobs,” Olens said. “I believe we’ve had too much growth too fast,” he said. And the state seems “disinterested” in helping the region.
“The fact of the matter that the anti-Atlanta attitude did not change from Democrats to Republicans hurts,” Olens said. He then reminded luncheon guests that the region contributes to the state’s 4 percent sales tax and 6 percent income tax, but the state “still hasn’t gotten into high gear” to help the Atlanta region deal with its traffic problems.
“The missing party is the state, not the region or local governments. We are doing more than our fair share,” he said. “The state is resting on past accomplishments.” Then he went on to say that the complacency at the state level is “mind boggling.”
As to opportunities, Olens spoke of the region’s growing commitment to be environmentally sustainable. The region’s desire to invest in green space and parks. A new direction at the Georgia Department of Transportation. More tourist attractions. The opportunity for to let voters support regional initiatives. The possibility of reasonable tax reform. Then he questioned why we don’t provide incentives for school systems and counties to consolidate.
In the question-answer period, Olens was asked if would be interested in running for governor.
Olens’ response: “Next question?”
