The south metro region has experienced unprecedented growth in the past decade. The development of new homes and businesses has created a population explosion that was good for our economy, and put south metro Atlanta counties on the map as desirable places to live and work. But growth has not come without a cost.
I urge voters in the south metro region to vote “yes” on the Transportation Investment Act on July 31.
If passed, the referendum would raise $8.5 billion through a 1 percent sales tax to fund critical transportation projects.
I’m confident passage of the referendum will not only add much-needed jobs to the area, but bring a sustainable boost to the region as it pertains to housing and economic development.
Our highways and thoroughfares are clogged with traffic. Commute times have gotten longer. Transportation safety is a major concern.
Added to those woes is the worst economic recession America has experienced in decades. People don’t have jobs and those who do spend countless hours in gridlocked traffic because the highway system needs to be overhauled.
The special purpose local option sales tax, or T-Splost, will help residents throughout metro Atlanta and specifically our neighbors in Clayton, Douglas, Fayette, south Fulton and Henry counties.
The south metro region alone will reap $984 million for regional transportation projects in the next 10 years with the tax, and an additional $28 million for local projects.
In the south metro region, the T-Splost will create more than 200,000 jobs, some of which will be reoccuring positions.
Of that amount, 34,000 jobs will be in the construction sector, one of the areas hardest hit by the recession.
The 39 south metro projects to be funded include:
● A feasibility study for an Atlanta-to-Griffin commuter rail line that would benefit people in Clayton, Fulton and Henry counties.
● Local bus service that is critically needed for residents in Clayton County.
● Interchange improvements at I-285 West and Cascade Road, one of the most dangerous intersections in south Fulton County.
● I-20/ 285 interchange improvements will facilitate travel for west side commuters.
● Road widening on Camp Creek Parkway from I-85 South to Welcome All Road;
● Widening of U.S. 23, and state roads 42 and 155 in Henry County.
● The widening of Ga. 92 in Douglas County, from Fairburn Road to Dallas Highway.
● And widening of Ga. 85 in Fayette County.
The final project list was developed by the Atlanta Regional Transportation Roundtable after receiving widespread public input from residents in the 10-county area. For voters, there will be no bait and switch; if the referendum is passed, the projects will be completed within the next 10 years.
In order for Atlanta to remain competitive with cities such as Charlotte, Dallas, Denver and Seattle, we must invest in our transportation infrastructure.
Ask yourself if you can afford to pay 1 percent more to make transportation better on the Southside, then ask yourself if you can afford not to. Jobs, improved infrastructure and reduced commute times are at stake.
Michael Hightower is managing partner of The Collaborative Firm, LLC, and founder of South Metro Development Outlook.
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