Congressman says Perdue stalling commuter rail

Congressman David Scott accused Gov. Sonny Perdue of stalling the state’s commuter rail project and threatening millions in federal aid when he chose not to include the train in budget proposal.

The Georgia Department of Transportation requested $15.1 million to start a commuter rail from Atlanta to Griffin. However, Perdue included no money in this year’s budget for the train.

GEORGIA POLITICS

• Hopefuls for governor find big-time donors 
• Savannah River officials quit over squabble with Georgia 
• New state office considered to track stimulus money 

Political Insider:
Gone fishing.

Gold Dome Live:

• Inspector finds DNR gave ‘excessive’ raise to employee

2009 Legislature Guide:
• Track bills & more!
• Issues | Players | Links

Related Links:
• More Georgia politics
• Metro News
• National News

That is a huge mistake, Scott said Friday.

“There is no conceivable reason why the state would drag its feet. It’s baffling to me,” Scott said. “I would very passionately urge the governor and the state to reconsider quickly.”

The federal government has already allocated $119 million to the project. However, the federal grant requires state money to move forward.

“We have $119 million sitting there in the bank,” Scott said. “Communities around this nation would give their right arm to have that money.”

Governor’s spokesman Bert Brantley said Perdue still supports the commuter rail, but is looking for the DOT and local governments to identify other funding options.

“The state is in the middle of a serious budget situation. Our latest revenue forecast shows the state collecting $2.2 billion less than was originally budgeted for FY2009,” Brantley said. “A statement of support does not mean a project has a blank check to be funded at significant higher amounts than originally proposed.”

State and Clayton County officials said they are hopeful the money will come through.

A DOT spokesman said it was “too premature” to speculate what happens if the money is not placed in the budget.

On Friday, state DOT Commissioner Gena Evans and Clayton County Public Transit Coordinator Franklin Buford rode a Norfolk Southern train from Atlanta to Griffin to inspect the track conditions. Evans then met with local government officials to discuss alternative funding.

Scott said that money could come from President-elect Barack Obama’s economic stimulus program. But in order for that to happen, the state must step in.

“The whole region will be bypassed again,” Scott said. “We are going to lose out on millions in federal money by not moving forward. We can get money to help with platforms building, operating costs and service and maintenance jobs. It’s just disappointing.”