In 1990 the average price for a gallon of gas was $1.34, average monthly rent was approximately $465 and you could purchase an IBM PS1 Computer for $1,999.00. Today, gas averages almost $3 a gallon, average monthly rent is $965 and the IBM PS1 Computer is a relic. A lot can change in 25 years.
Cobb County’s population has grown from 450,000 in 1990 to more than 730,000 today. Similarly, the Atlanta region went from 3.5 million people to almost 5 million. It is forecasted that by 2040, Cobb County will be home to more than 850,000 people. Our neighbors to the north and south have also experienced tremendous growth.
The past two years have been very exciting and have certainly raised Cobb’s profile in the Atlanta region. In 2013, the Atlanta Braves announced that they would build a new stadium and major mixed-use development in Cobb County. Kennesaw State University merged with Southern Polytechnic University, making Cobb home to the third-largest university in the state. In addition to the Braves’ $1 billion investment, the Georgia Department of Transportation began construction on an $834 million project that will add reversible lanes to Interstate 75 and will include four new exits in Cobb County.
Given the dramatic population growth that we are experiencing now, it is our duty to seek to reduce gridlock and improve safety. Further, we should be thinking about Cobb’s overarching goals to improve quality of life, public safety, job creation and business recruitment and together determine what transportation initiatives should be initiated today to ensure Cobb County will reach those goals.
Therefore, our board recently adopted the Cobb County 2040 Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP). This is a non-binding planning document that serves as a vision for the next 25 years of transportation in Cobb County. It includes hundreds of recommendations for moving people and goods safely and efficiently using various transportation modes.
One project in the plan that has received much attention is Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). It is a midterm project, which means it could be considered after 2020. We need alternative transportation solutions and this is one concept that has been explored by Cobb County. I believe we must provide options to connect residents to job and activity centers within Cobb, and to major job centers across the Atlanta region. This is an essential component of economic growth and bringing new jobs to Cobb County.
Should the commission ever consider the BRT project, we will review its scope, cost, available funding sources and funding strategy, and the board will decide whether to move forward with the project. If Cobb County taxpayers are expected to foot the bill, it will be up to Cobb County taxpayers to decide via a referendum. In fact, I was the first person to suggest a voter referendum last year.
While this project undoubtedly receives the most media attention, it is only one possible component of Cobb’s transportation future. Our economy will be successful only with a comprehensive transportation planning approach.
As Cobb County and the Atlanta region grow and prosper, we must think strategically and invest wisely in a transportation system that improves traffic flow and safety for now and the future. If our citizens are stuck in gridlock, or if our roads are unsafe, we will not have a thriving community for the next generation.
As chairman, I am always focused on meeting our challenges, maximizing opportunities, and making sure that Cobb County is the best place to live, work and play ball.
About the Author
