Georgia House Speaker David Ralston says President Donald Trump’s infrastructure plan could be “transformative,” potentially bringing in federal money for rural Georgia and metro Atlanta public transportation.
Ralston was among about 20 state leaders from across the country invited to Washington on Monday as Trump announced his vision for $1.5 trillion in infrastructure spending over a decade.
“I was very impressed. This president is making a real priority out of rebuilding our infrastructure,” said Ralston, R-Blue Ridge, during an interview in front of the West Wing of the White House. “This is going to mean so much for Georgia.”
Trump's infrastructure plan includes about $200 million in federal money to leverage local and state tax spending on infrastructure repairs.
That funding could help pay for transit and rural internet access, Ralston said.
“Anything that gives us more funding opportunities for transit, certainly, would be helpful for metro Atlanta,” he said. “I’m excited about his emphasis on high-speed broadband for rural Georgia.”
The Trump administration is also well aware of the need for financial support to finish the Savannah port's nearly $1 billion expansion, Ralston said.
The infrastructure plan would have to be approved by Congress, where it faces an uncertain path forward.
“I think Georgia will get its fair share,” Ralston said. “That’s why I’m here today — to make sure that as we start the process forward, that Georgia is represented.”
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