When voters go to the polls Tuesday, they will have the opportunity to invest in our roads, bridges and transit systems, strengthen our economy and create a better quality of life for everyone in metropolitan Atlanta. We must tackle our transportation issues now and vote “yes” to make a difference in the lives of citizens across the metropolitan region. We must ask ourselves: Do we really just want to get by with a transportation system that becomes more outdated and congested every day? Or do we want our family members and friends to spend less time in traffic and more time together?
The leaders of cities such as Dallas, Tampa, Charlotte and Orlando use our traffic problems and our perceived inability to work together to solve them as a tool to dissuade potential businesses and industries from moving here. The metropolitan Atlanta region has lost more than 200,000 jobs between 2007 and today, with more than 80,000 jobs in the construction industry alone. If we don’t address this issue right now, we’re going to pay an even greater cost in the future for our failure to act in terms of the jobs we lose and the negative impact on our quality of life. We cannot let naysayers who do not offer other viable solutions prevent us from creating real transportation options that we can implement right away.
For months, 21 elected officials put aside partisan politics to develop a $6.14 billion transportation project list that reflects the needs and wants of local leaders representing the 10-county metropolitan area. It was an effort that reflects the politics of cooperation rather than the politics of conflict and division. It stands as a true regional effort that transcends geographic, political and racial lines.
The scope and investment associated with this referendum are significant and transformative. If the measure is approved, we will have the ability to invest more than $8.5 billion for projects like the I-285/Ga. 400 interchange, Clifton Corridor rail expansion, MARTA and the Atlanta Beltline. The City of Atlanta is to receive nearly $100 million for projects such as multi-use paths and trails, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, increased street lighting and sidewalk installation and repairs. Every community will be able to spend 15 percent of its dollars in a manner approved by its local leaders with public input.
In Atlanta, we have often faced tough challenges, but we always rise to the occasion and make the right decision. We have a strong tradition of coming together to do the things that are hard. It is time for us to dream again, instead of treading water while our problems get worse. I am confident that citizens across the region will cast their ballots for a brighter and better future.
Kasim Reed is mayor of Atlanta.
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