The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Finish a path out of congestion
Gold Dome has done well in passing 2 bills that would enable transit expansion. Lawmakers should finish course by passing final bill to help region avoid congestion.
In an election year where news coming out of the Gold Dome has often centered on a hot-button shortlist of controversial topics, it’s refreshing and encouraging that a pair of transportation-related bills have each passed their respective chamber.
Finding effective – and cost-effective — ways to help metro Atlantans better get around our vast home is very important, urgent work and we’re pleased that the General Assembly this year has, so far, buckled down in an earnest effort to get something done to enable transit expansion in this gridlocked region.
Their work should continue, and we encourage lawmakers to stay on task in making that so. This legislation is too vital to collapse in the harried final days of this year’s lawmaking session.
The proof of the necessity is right in front of us. More exactly, it’s in front of our vehicle windshields – far too often in the form of a slow-moving procession of brake lights ahead as we all grind along an inadequate network of highways and roads.
And if we think it’s bad now, and studies affirm that it is quite bad, then envision what commuting will look like in coming years, with millions of newcomers expected to arrive here. Imagining that visual reinforces the need to begin preparing more-vigorously now for the future of a metro Atlanta a lot more people will call home.
The General Assembly has already acted on a big factor of this equation by bravely passing a fuel tax increase in 2015, in the face of substantial antitax sentiment. We praised that work then; and we appreciate it still.
The results of an additional $1 billion a year for roadwork is easily seen now in the rising concrete of construction projects. All of it is intended to help ease the safe movement of people and goods across Georgia, and around — or through — this region.
Improved roads, including a much-expanded matrix of toll lanes, are a large part of the solution for metro Atlanta’s gridlock.
So is expanding transit options, we believe. As Atlanta competes for world-class economic development projects, it can’t be forgotten that cities we’re wrestling against in many instances already have well-developed transit networks, are investing heavily to develop them – or both. It’s encouraging that the Gold Dome has increasingly recognized this reality in recent years.
This recognition has taken shape at the Capitol in the form of House Bill 930 and Senate Bill 386. The similar bills would provide a pathway toward expanding, coordinating and governing transit operations in the metro region.
The legislation would permit 13 counties to conduct sales tax votes to help pay for transit projects. Also on the table is the possibility of direct state investment in transit. Both bills would also create a new umbrella body to help oversee local transit operations. That’s more important than it might initially seem. Coordinating services and operations is a proven way to both maximize service levels and ensure the most efficient use of taxpayer dollars.
Lawmakers deserve great credit for their prep work and, frankly, courage in taking votes this year that saw both bills pass overwhelmingly in their respective chambers. That is a game-changing event for Georgia, and a strong show of bipartisan, one-Georgia unity in an often-divided age.
They should keep going full throttle as the session draws toward a close. We agree with State Rep. Kevin Tanner, R-Dawsonville, who sponsored the House bill. “I think it’s too important of an issue for us not to get it done this session,” he said. Kudos to him and State Sen. Brandon Beach, R-Alpharetta, for sponsoring their respective bills.
Increasing transit options is of great importance to metro Atlanta. Both the workforce and employers are clamoring for it, as recent economic development wins — and possible future ones — show.
State Rep. Calvin Smyre, D-Columbus, summed it all up well. “Transit and transportation won’t guarantee economic development,” Smyre said. “But I can guarantee you this: Without transit and transportation, you will not have economic development.” He’s right, and we’re glad a majority of his fellow lawmakers agreed.
A large question mark remains in that regional approach, however – Cobb County. After lawmakers there couldn’t agree on a map for a potential transit district, Cobb was removed from the House bill. It would still be able to hold a county-wide transit tax vote, if leaders step up.
We urge Cobb to quickly revisit this year efforts to agree on a map to potentially bring transit to the part of the county that seems most receptive to it.
Overall, we hold great hope that state lawmakers will this year enable voters to decide on transit expansion in the near future. Our economic prospects demand nothing less.