VOLUME 22 NUMBER 42
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JANUARY 28, 2017
Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews
Deal announces opening of new I-75 South Metro express lanes
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he new I-75 South Metro express lanes will officially open to motorists on Saturday, Jan. 28. The reversible, barrier-separated lanes along I-75 South and I-675 South in Henry and Clayton counties will be toll-free the first 14 days for motorists with a Peach Pass. Gov. Nathan Deal said the freebies for Peach Pass holders is being provided to encourage commuters to utilize the express lanes. “The I-75 South Metro express lanes will provide much-needed congestion relief for motorists who commute through one of Metro Atlanta’s most heavily-traveled corridors,” said Deal who announced the opening along withState Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA) Executive Director Chris Tomlinson and Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) Commissioner Russell McMurry. Said Deal: “This is the first of several express lane projects under construction or design for the next decade, and these investments will significantly improve the transpor-
tation network for Georgians. I look forward to working with SRTA and GDOT to make the commute of our citizens quicker and safer while reinforcing our position as the No. 1 state in which to do business.” The I-75 South Metro express lanes include approximately 12 miles of added capacity, with reversible lanes extending from SR 155/McDonough Road to SR 138/Stockbridge Highway. The two lanes are barrier-separated from the general purpose lanes and will ease congestion to and from Atlanta during the heaviest traffic hours. “This weekend, motorists in the corridor will have their first chance to try the brand new Express Lanes, and we hope that many will use this as an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the system,” said McMurry. “We know that it may take some time for motorists to try this mobility option but we also know that there will be early adopters and an immediate benefit to Xpress Bus riders. Georgia has more Express Lanes under development across the metro area to help provide consistent
travel choices for those who chose to use them. It is very exciting to have the I-75 South Metro system opening this weekend.” The toll rates for the I-75 South Metro express lanes are set by the SRTA Board and will range from $0.10 to $0.90 per mile, with a minimum toll charge of no less than $0.50 per trip. Toll prices automatically adjust based on demand and traffic conditions in the corridor in order to maintain free-flow travel trips through the lanes. “The dynamic pricing model has proven to be an effective method of making sure that the lanes perform at the level customers expect,” said Tomlinson. “The toll prices will help to ensure that the customers who choose the Express Lanes will have a reliable trip option when they need
it to get where they need to go on time.” Vehicles with no more than two axles or up to six wheels may use the express lanes with a valid Peach Pass or a pre-paid toll account in Florida or North Carolina. Public transit buses, registered vanpools and emergency response vehicles may use the lanes toll-free with a valid Peach Pass. All other vehicles, including motorcycles and electric vehicles, are required to pay a toll to use the express lanes. To open a Peach Pass account, visit SRTA’s website at PeachPass. com. Peach Pass accounts may also be opened in person at the Department of Driver Services Customer Service Center in Locust Grove or the SRTA offices at 47 Trinity Ave. S.W., Atlanta.
Rep. Hank Johnson secures ranking DeKalb commissionmembership of Transportation & ers approve funding for Old General Motors Infrastructure subcommittee jurisdiction over agencies and Transit, which has responsibility Plant redevelopment programs promoting economic for the development of national
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ongressman Hank Johnson, who represents Georgia’s Fourth District, announced Jan. 24 that his appointment on the powerful House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) has resulted in a leadership role. Johnson was unanimously voted by his colleagues to be the leading Democrat on the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management, which conducts oversight of programs addressing federal management of emergencies and natural disasters –including oversight of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – and some aspects of Homeland Security. The subcommittee also has
development in communities suffering economic distress and has jurisdiction over public buildings, federal real estate programs and the Public Buildings Service (PBS) of the General Services Administration (GSA), which is the civilian landlord of the federal government. “Being a member of T&I and these important subcommittees is going to better position me to advocate for the good people of the Fourth District and Georgia to help bring economic development and transportation infrastructure projects to our state and region,” said Johnson. “Having a seat at the leadership table will allow me to be the voice in Washington for the world’s busiest airport, MARTA and the economic and infrastructure development needs for our great state and the entire Southeast.” Johnson is now the only Democrat from Georgia on the committee. Johnson’s other subcommittee assignments include the Subcommittee on Highways and
surface transportation policy, including policies related to the construction and improvement of highway and transit facilities, of safety and research programs, and regulation of commercial motor vehicle operations. Within this scope of responsibilities, the Subcommittee has jurisdiction over many U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) programs and modal administrations. As a member of the Subcommittee on Aviation, Johnson will help oversee all aspects of civil aviation, including safety, infrastructure, labor, commerce, and international issues. All programs of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), except for research activities, are within the purview of the Subcommittee. The Aviation Subcommittee is also traditionally the lead subcommittee with jurisdiction over the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the federal agency responsible for investigating civil aviation accidents and other transportation accidents.
The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Jan. 24 to approve a plan to assist in the redevelopment of the former General Motors plant in Doraville. Under the terms of an intergovernmental agreement with the city of Doraville, DeKalb County would allocate up to $180 million in infrastructure improvements including roads and utilities. The funding would come from the anticipated tax revenue in a tax allocation district (TAD), which encompasses the former automobile production facility, which closed in 2008. “I want to express the full and complete support by the administration for the acceptance of this intergovernmental agreement between Doraville and the county,” said DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. “We believe that the Assembly project is one that will have a tremendously positive impact, not just in DeKalb County, but throughout the metro Atlanta region.” Projects to be funded by DeKalb County’s TAD funding include a covered street to the Doraville MARTA station, $58.3 million; streets and utilities, $33 million; 1,500 public parking spaces, $30 million; grading and water detention, $17 million; campus square, $15.3 million; concrete demolition and foundation removal, $6.9 million; West Avenue, $5.1 million; engineering and design fees, $4.4 million; remediation, $4 million; previously completed work, $2.9 million; park furnishings and amenities, $2 million; and fees, $1.5 million.