 Understanding the Transportation Investment Act "Twenty-one members with a vast array of backgrounds trimmed a list from $23 billion to $6.14 - and passed it unanimously. We have proven that the leaders are willing to work on a problem that we agreed needed work," said Atlanta's Mayor Kasim Reed. [1] What does that mean? It means, that of $6.14 billion dollars, $984 million is earmarked for Cobb in the strongest regional effort yet seen in Metro Atlanta. How? In July 2012, residents will vote whether or not to approve a penny sales tax to support projects involving roads, transit, aviation, safety, pedestrian and bike improvements. The Town Center Area Community Improvement District (TCACID) wants you to be well informed about the Transportation Investment Act (TIA) of 2010. Please give your careful attention to this article and future information linked to our website, TCACID.com, so that you can vote with confidence approximately nine months from now. Where will the funds be spent? It's important to remember that all funds raised will stay in the 10-county region including Cobb, Cherokee, Clayton, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale. What will the dollars support? Projects have been selected to complement and supplement existing transportation and land use plans, while improving the quality of life, reducing traffic congestion, and, enhancing safety. This effort is about jobs, quality of life and time for families, for the region and for the future.The improvements are also anticipated to reduce commute times and cut traffic congestion in key areas. What would be some of the economic impact? For every $1 billion invested, transit creates/supports an average of 36,000 jobs.[2] For every $1 invested, $4 (average) generated in economic return.[2] How will the quality of life and place be affected? Stress is created, both from traffic and from the realization that long commute times can cause loss of time that could be spent with families, attending children's activities, or, simply having family dinner time or personal down time with friends. Communities with transit opportunities can find a place in which to work, live and play. How serious is the time spent in traffic? Time stuck in traffic is lost forever. Reducing the time spent in traffic is a key. What specific projects are in it for Cobb? Phase 1 of a Reliever & Bridge at Busbee Drive/Frey Road Connector in the TCACID area, for one. A new control tower and runway approach lighting system for McCollum Airport, that is also in the TCACID area. Premium Transit service through the TCACID area from Acworth, through Kennesaw and the Town Center area, to the MARTA Arts Center Station is planned. See a complete list of approved Cobb projects. How do other investments impact Cobb residents? Investments outside of Cobb, but, benefiting it's residents include three roadway projects [I-285 N @ SR 400, I-285 W @ I-20 and SR 6 (Thorton Road).] There are also two transit projects... a Regional Mobility Call Center for Older/Disabled Persons, and, expansion of the GRTA Express System. Who supports the TIA? That remains to be seen when the public begins to understand more of the details. But, we have the results of an ARC Cobb County Town Hall with 16,181 participants showing 72% believed transit critical to region's long-term success. What else does the TIA offer for Cobb? The Act provides for a 15% percent discretionary funding that the county can use for eligible local transportation projects of their choosing. County staff and citizen stakeholders are working to identify Cobb's projects from lists that include: corridor safety and operational improvements, turn lanes, road widening, airport enhancements, and, pedestrian enhancements. Why did the state take a regional approach? By combining revenues collected in multiple counties, the region can afford to tackle projects that no one jurisdiction could pay for, e.g., the interchange of I-285 and Georgia 400, which is a large investment on the TIA project list. Will the projects really happen? The Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission is responsible for payments and ensuring that the revenue is being spent as authorized by the list. Additionally, the legislation provides for citizen oversight of the efforts to ensure that the public, if they pass the penny tax, is getting what they voted for. As Senator Saxby Chambliss said recently at a showcase for the region's Community Improvement Districts, "Transportation isn't just how you get around. It's how we sustain our economic growth." Watch our website for more informative details over the next few months and visit the links on the left. 
[1] David Pendered; SaportaReport.com
[2] American Public Transportation Association (APTA)
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