ATLANTA – The State Transportation Board voted, on Monday, unanimously to support applications for federal high speed rail funds to develop a route, called the “Capital-Coastal” loop, connecting Atlanta, Athens, Augusta, Savannah and Macon. The Board also approved applications for the Atlanta-Charlotte and Atlanta-Macon lines and to update the state rail plan.
“These grants will enable the Department to complete the environment documents necessary for us to move forward in designing and further developing future passenger rail corridors,” said Board Chairman Bill Kuhlke, Jr. “The Capital–Coastal Loop in particular would provide connectivity and travel choices to several key economic centers. By completing these plans now, Georgia will be well positioned to take advantage of federal funds for design, right of way or even construction.”
The four grant applications, totaling $16.5 million, would come from the Federal Railroad Administration. Any funds received would require a 20 percent match from the state and local governments along the corridors.
In other business, the Board recognized the Department for receiving GOLD LEED Certification for its headquarters at One Georgia Center in Atlanta and LEED Certification for the Georgia DOT District 3 office in Thomaston. LEED is a third-party certification program and the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. The Department is committed to using LEED principles in construction of smaller facilities and pursuing certification on any new District office construction or rehabilitation.
Georgia DOT is governed by the State Transportation Board. Board members, representing each of the state’s 13 congressional districts, exercise general control and supervision of the Department. Each member serves a five-year term and the terms are staggered. Board members are elected by the state representatives and senators whose legislative districts fall within all or part of the congressional district.
The Georgia Department of Transportation is committed to providing a safe, seamless and sustainable transportation system that supports Georgia’s economy and is sensitive to both its citizens and its environment. Additional transportation revenues are imperative to grow and sustain Georgia's economic vitality and quality of life through the 21st Century. Georgia is the 3rd fastest-growing state in the nation, yet 49th in per capita spending on transportation. For general information on the Georgia DOT, click here.
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