Statewide Improvement and Funding Act Clears the House by a Wide Majority
ATLANTA- Today the Georgia House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the Georgia Statewide 20/20 Transportation Act. The measure now moves to the state Senate for consideration.
“For too long, the state has approached transportation funding with little regard for a comprehensive, statewide funding plan,” said House Transportation Committee Chairman Vance Smith, Jr. (R-Pine Mountain). “After passing this act today with such broad, bi-partisan support, we are one step closer to putting this proposal before the voters for their approval in 2010, and finally addressing Georgia’s statewide transportation needs.”
The Constitutional Amendment, House Resolution 206, passed the House by a 151-15 vote. The accompanying bill, House Bill 277, which contains the transportation project list and details how the funds will be disbursed, passed 149-18.
Under this legislation, funds will be made available to support infrastructure enhancements like interchange improvements, major arterials, a multi-modal station, pedestrian facilities, bridge rehabilitation, expanding lane capacity and further developing existing corridors for freight and economic development purposes. It also includes funds for all modes of transportation such as commuter rail, and light rail as well as funds for general aviation improvements.
In addition to the identified projects in the 20/20 Act, counties and cities will receive direct grants or Local Transportation Flexibility Funds based on a population formula to meet local transportation needs. These grants will be in addition to the State Aid, Local Assistance Road Program (LARP), Bridge Rehabilitation program and Dirt Road Program funds currently provided by the Department of Transportation.
The revenues raised by the 20/20 Act will be banked in a transportation trust fund administered by the authority or agency that is the sole recipient of federal transportation funds. A legislative oversight committee will ensure the funds are disbursed as approved by Georgia voters.
Sponsors of the 20/20 Act include Rep. Vance Smith, Speaker Pro Tempore Mark Burkhalter (R-Johns Creek), House Majority Leader Jerry Keen (R-St. Simons), Rep. Donna Sheldon (R-Dacula), and Rep. Jay Shaw (D-Lakeland).
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