Siemens to Build Streetcars for Atlanta

/PRNewswire/ -- Siemens Industry, Inc. today announced that it has been awarded a $17.2 million contract from Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), on behalf of the City of Atlanta and the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District, to provide Atlanta with four new streetcars. The first car is expected to be delivered in September 2012 with revenue service beginning in early 2013. These will be the first streetcars in Atlanta since 1949 and will mark Siemens entry into the streetcar market in the United States.

"The Atlanta Streetcar project will keep the City of Atlanta competitive with other cities by improving our transit connectivity, boosting our tourism industry, helping local businesses, and building a more sustainable future," Mayor Reed said. "Our agreement with Siemens will ensure that we have modern, world-class vehicles along the route to serve Atlanta residents and visitors for years to come."

The streetcars will be built at Siemens' railcar and locomotive plant in Sacramento, Calif., an operation powered primarily by two megawatts of solar energy. Additionally, major components including the propulsion system will be built at Siemens manufacturing facility in the metro-Atlanta suburb of Alpharetta.

"An investment in the core of the city, in Downtown Atlanta, is good for all of the metropolitan area," said Craig Jones, Executive Vice President & Chief Investment Officer with Cousins Properties, Inc. "In just 4 years we've seen a complete transformation in One Ninety One Peachtree Tower as well as along the rest of the Peachtree corridor with new restaurants, retail, office, tenants and now the Atlanta Streetcar. We're proud to be a part of this resurgence."

Streetcars are part of the first phase of Atlanta's project to create a comprehensive, regional streetcar and light rail transit system. The streetcars will initially run in a loop, bridging the gap between east and west downtown that was formed by the development of the I-75/85 connector. The new system will provide connectivity for the core of downtown Atlanta, improving accessibility to key business destinations and event venues. The system will also serve as the catalyst for transit oriented development within the loop.

"Siemens is a firm with a proven track record and an exceptional product. At MARTA, it is exciting to work with our partners to introduce this new generation of modern, low-floor rail transit to the greater Atlanta region," said Dr. Beverly A. Scott, General Manager and CEO, MARTA. "This streetcar starter line serves the historic Martin Luther King Center and connects to MARTA and the heart of the Capitol city at Peachtree Center."

The four new streetcars are based on the proven Siemens S70 light rail vehicle platform, which was designed in the United States and is in operation in cities such as Houston, Charlotte, San Diego, Portland and Salt Lake City. The streetcars were purchased through an existing contract with the Utah Transit Authority and will be customized to meet Atlanta's operating environment. The streetcars are fully upgradeable for future light rail operation as the regional system grows.

"Siemens S70 streetcar was designed for and will be built right here in the United States," said Daryl Dulaney, President and CEO of Siemens Industry, Inc. "We look forward to working with the city of Atlanta to provide a safe, efficient and versatile means to connect within the City that will help residents and visitors get where they need to go now and in the future."

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Start Your (Golf Car) Engines

/PRNewswire/ -- Golf cars will be allowed on many local Georgia streets effective Jan. 1, 2012, thanks to a bill signed  by Georgia Governor Nathan Deal. Known as Georgia Senate Bill 240, it creates a new class of motor vehicle called personal transportation vehicles (PTVs), which are built on "golf car-like" chassis.

The measure will allow PTVs that meet safety requirements to be driven on roads. That means residents of many communities will be able to shop, take their children to school and parks, and run other errands in their golf cars.

"This bill will allow Georgia families to stretch their transportation dollars and use green energy for miles of local driving. It also gives municipalities throughout the state a common framework for the safe and responsible use of PTVs," says Michael Alexander, Club Car's director of global business development. Club Car is the world's largest manufacturer of small-wheel, zero-emissions electric vehicles.

Qualifications and Safety Standards

To qualify as a PTV, vehicles must have at least four wheels, weigh 1,375 pounds or less, have a top speed of 20 mph or less, and transport no more than eight people.

In addition, they must be equipped with specific safety apparatus, including:

* A braking system that is sufficient for the weight and passenger capacity, including a parking brake.
* A reverse warning device that is functional at all times when the directional control is in the reverse position.
* A main power switch. When the switch is in the "off" position, or the key or other activating device is removed, the motive power circuit must be inoperative. If the switch uses a key, it can be removable only in the "off" position.
* Head and tail lamps
* Reflex reflectors
* A horn
* A rearview mirror
* Safety warning labels
* Hip restraints and hand holds


Golf cars manufactured after 2004 generally have all, or most, of the required safety equipment. Your local Club Car dealer can upgrade your golf car to meet these standards, if needed. To find a dealer near you, visit www.clubcar.com and click "Dealer Locator."

According to Alexander, who also serves as president of the National Golf Car Manufacturers Association, he and other members will work with leaders of the Georgia Municipal Association to draft a model ordinance that defines licensing and usage guidelines. Please check with your municipality if you have questions about PTV usage in your community.

The bill does not apply to all-terrain vehicles or mobility aids, such as power wheelchairs and scooters.

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Georgia DOT Crews Battle Ice and Snow Laden Roadways: Cautions Georgians to Stay Off Roadways

Since 6:00 pm on Sunday, Georgia DOT crews have been out in full force battling wintery conditions across Georgia. A shift change is underway so that our employees are fully rested to begin the next round of work.

“We have been preparing for this event since the middle of last week and our maintenance crews are working as hard as they can to clear the lanes,” said Georgia DOT Commissioner Vance C. Smith, Jr. In the first 12-hour shift, which ended at 6:00 am this morning, more than 900 Georgia DOT maintenance crews and employees have used 578 pieces of equipment to spread more than 2018 tons of salt and gravel material.

“Our biggest concern are people being stranded on the roadways, so again, we need people to stay off the roadways unless there is an emergency,” said State Maintenance Engineer, Eric Pitts. “The interstate is a very dangerous place for people to walk around so please stay off if you can.”

· The Transportation Management Center (TMC) Emergency Operations Center (EOC): Media Phone Lines – (404) 635 8093 and 8094. Karlene Barron and Jill Goldberg will alternate 12- hour shifts at the EOC. (Note - This is the Department’s statewide command center and the clearinghouse for real-time conditions; it is your best source for current status of roadways.

· Cheshire Bridge Road (Metro Atlanta) Maintenance Facility: Mark McKinnon at (404) 326-6672 and David Spear at (404) 326-6668 will alternate 12-hour shifts at this site.

· District One (Northeast Georgia) Gainesville Headquarters: Teri Pope and Rick Parham, both at (404) 274-6436, will alternate 12-hour shifts at this location.

· District Two (East Central Georgia) Tennille Headquarters: Cissy McNure at (478) 232-3331 will be available as needed.

· District Three (West Central Georgia) Thomaston Headquarters: Kimberly Larson at (706) 741-3439 will be available as needed.

· Districts Four (Southeast Georgia) and Five (South Georgia): Craig Solomon at (229) 309-9706 in Tifton D4 Headquarters will be available as needed.

· District Six (Northwest Georgia) Cartersville Headquarters: Mohamed Arafa at (770) 359-9523 will be available.

Georgia DOT urges travelers to call 511 for updated information about this or any other construction project on interstates and state routes. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, such as traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, and delays due to inclement weather. Callers also can transfer to operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information is available at www.511ga.org.

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Day and Night Lane Closures Week of October 25th on I-85 Express Lanes

Lane closures continue this week on the Interstate 85 Express Lane project in DeKalb and Gwinnett Counties. Georgia DOT’s contractor, World Fiber Technologies will work day and night next week as weather permits.

The work plan will require the overnight closing of the outside lane of I-85 northbound from Pleasant Hill Road to State Route 316 in Gwinnett County starting at 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday, 25th through Friday, 29th. “If the weather cooperates, crews will bore under the interstate for the third week. Boring is the first step to running the hundreds of miles of conduit needed for the technology that will operate the Express Lane system,” explained Georgia DOT District Construction Engineer, Randall Davis.
Daytime work will occur Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

The outside southbound lane of I-85 southbound will be closed from Dawson Blvd to I-285 so crews can inspect and repair existing communications equipment. The lane will be closed from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. only.

The I-85 Express Lanes Project includes installation of 16 miles of fiber and signage along Interstate Highway 85 between Chamblee Tucker Road and Old Peachtree Road and along State Route 316 between I-85 and Riverside Parkway. This $11.7 million project was awarded to World Fiber Technologies, Inc., of Alpharetta.

When completed, registered transit buses, motorcycles, alternative fueled vehicles and vehicles with three or more passengers will be allowed to use the inside (left) HOT lane for free, while single- and double-occupant vehicles will be allowed to use the lane if they choose to pay a variably priced toll.
For additional information and construction updates on this project, please email Teri Pope at tpope@dot.ga.gov.

Georgia DOT urges travelers to call 511 for updated information about these or any other construction projects on interstates and state routes. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, such as traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, and delays due to inclement weather. Callers also can transfer to operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information is available at www.511ga.org.

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2011 Jump Start Conference: Defining Success in Transportation

January 17-19, 2011
Renaissance Concourse Hotel
Atlanta, GA
Sponsored by SMC³
www.smc3conference.com

At the SMC³ 2011 Jump Start Conference you will:

· Hear from the CEOs of major shippers, carriers and logistics service providers on trends and business concerns in 2011.
· Learn the risks and rewards of integrating sustainability concepts with traditional supply chain practices.
· Get updated on global economic indicators and domestic legislative initiatives.
· Extend your network of shippers, carriers, and 3PLs—2011 Jump Start brings all the supply chain players together.
· Enjoy outstanding conference value, including free bonus sessions on supply chain outsourcing, temperature-controlled LTL, and international LTL costing.

Know what to expect in the global supply chain and how to strategize for it—the information you discover at 2011 Jump Start will define your success in the coming year.

Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis announces partnership with US Department of Transportation to combat distracted driving by workers

/PRNewswire/ -- Because motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of worker fatalities, Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today announced a partnership between the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation to combat distracted driving.

"It is imperative that employers eliminate financial and other incentives that encourage workers to text while driving," said Secretary Solis. "It is well recognized that texting while driving dramatically increases the risk of a motor vehicle injury or fatality."

Prohibiting texting while driving is the subject of an executive order signed by President Barack Obama last year for federal employees and the subject of rulemaking by the Department of Transportation.

OSHA is launching a multi-pronged initiative that includes:

* An education campaign for employers, to be launched during "Drive Safely Work Week" in early October, will call on employers to prevent occupationally related distracted driving, with a special focus on prohibiting texting while driving.
* An open letter to employers to be posted on OSHA's website, http://www.osha.gov during "Drive Safely Work Week." The website also will showcase model employer policies and encourage employer and labor associations to communicate OSHA's message.
* Alliances with the National Safety Council and other key organizations as outreach to employers, especially small employers, aimed at combating distracted driving and prohibit texting while driving.
* Special emphasis on reaching younger workers by coordinating with other Labor Department agencies as well as alliance partners and stakeholders.
* Investigating issue citations and penalties where necessary to end the practice when OSHA receives a credible complaint that an employer requires texting while driving.


"We call upon all employers to prohibit any work policy or practice that requires or encourages workers to text while driving," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Dr. David Michaels. "The Occupational Safety and Health Act is clear; employers must provide a workplace free of recognized hazards."

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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Governor Perdue Signs Transportation Resource Plan

Governor Perdue today (June 2) joined Lt. Governor Casey Cagle and House Speaker David Ralston to sign legislation that will result in a comprehensive plan to provide additional resources to invest in Georgia’s transportation network.

“We have worked extremely hard to bring a level of accountability never seen before in our transportation planning process,” said Governor Perdue. “Now, voters in each area of the state will have a chance to approve a plan that meets the needs of their area of the state while also connecting to the state’s transportation network.”

Governor Perdue’s support for new transportation funding follows passage and successful implementation of Senate Bill 200, which transformed the state’s transportation governance system. Governor Perdue also today signed the statewide strategic transportation plan, which is now driving the decision-making process on how and when to make additional investments that deliver results.

“A year ago we passed Senate Bill 200, a meaningful transportation planning component for the entire state,” said House Speaker David Ralston. “The funding bill signed into law today completes the circle and positions our transportation policy well into the future. The bi-partisan, inclusive leadership by members of the General Assembly, Governor Perdue, Lt. Governor Cagle, and others throughout the state who helped craft this landmark legislation shows that our state remains serious about competing for jobs and improving the quality of life for our citizens.”

“Today is a testament to how important the issue of transportation is to our state and how committed we were to working together to agree on a solution that will bring results,” said Lt. Governor Cagle.    “I want to thank Governor Perdue and Speaker Ralston for their commitment and dedication to stay at the table and accomplish this for Georgia.  I especially want to thank Sen. Jeff Mullis for his leadership in the Senate and hard work on this issue.  This bill allows us to tell people and businesses that are looking to move or relocate their company to Georgia that we have a plan to fix transportation and that we are serious about addressing these issues.”

The final version of House Bill 277 creates special tax districts for transportation that mirror the state’s 12 regional planning boundaries.

“These district lines are important because they recognize our state’s regional business centers, and the areas from which those centers draw consumers,” the Governor said. “This approach will mean dollars spent in a region remain in that region, and the projects will benefit the entire region.”

Voters in each region will have the ability to decide on new transportation improvements by voting on a one percent sales tax. The transportation districts will enable a collection of counties to make strategic decisions that will produce growth in their region. The state’s director of transportation planning will work closely with local communities to create a project list for each transportation district. The project list will knit together transportation improvements that connect our cities and regions, making the movement of people and goods faster and more cost-efficient.

The bill calls for a statewide vote to be held, with the voters in each transportation district considering their specific list. If the district votes yes, the additional sales tax collected in their district will be used to fund their list of projects. If the district votes no, the tax will not be levied.

Governor Perdue also thanked members of the General Assembly that have worked hard on transportation over the past two sessions.

“The question has not been whether to invest in transportation, but whether or not we could get a return on transportation investment that the people of Georgia could support,” the Governor said. “Thanks to the hard work of many, we now have a plan in place that meets that goal.”

“We are proud of the leadership shown by the Governor and the General Assembly this year,” said Dave Stockert, President & CEO of Post Properties and chair of the Metro Atlanta Chamber’s transportation policy committee. “The business community is ready to support the transportation referendum in every way possible as we move into the next phase of this process.”

“Investing in Georgia's transportation infrastructure is critical to our long term economic health,” added Phil Jacobs, chair of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s Transportation Committee. “We are pleased that this legislation will allow every region of our state to have a voice in what those investments will be and that it will provide a mechanism to improve upon our state’s many transportation assets.”

Earlier this year, the Governor announced that his FY 2011 budget recommendation included $300 million in bond projects for transportation. These projects are aligned with the statewide strategic plan and focus on projects of statewide significance. The General Assembly included $200 million in transportation bond projects in the final FY 2011 budget. This bond funding will allow Georgia to strategically target investment to fuel Georgia’s job growth and to position the state as a national leader in economic recovery.

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150 Highway Improvement Projects Underway or Completed in Georgia Thanks to Stimulus Law

/PRNewswire/ -- There are currently 150 American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA)-financed highway construction projects underway or completed in Georgia involving $465.8 million in funds, according to data released today by the Washington, D.C.-based American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). The projects underway or completed have supported or are supporting 12,960 jobs in Georgia that would otherwise not exist, says ARTBA Vice President of Economics & Research Dr. Bill Buechner.

ARRA, signed into law on February 17, 2009, provided $48 billion for transportation improvements over two years, including $27.5 billion for highway, bridge and related construction projects nationwide. The law is having significant impacts on the transportation construction industry in all 50 states.

ARRA provided $932.8 million to Georgia for highway, bridge and related improvements. This one-time bonus added more than 81 percent to Georgia's regular federal highway funds under the current federal surface transportation law - Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) - bringing the state's total federal highway funding in 2009 to a record $2.08 billion.

According to Buechner, a Harvard-trained economist, another 193 projects have been identified and are slated to be under construction shortly.

The following shows the number of ARRA-financed highway projects and amount obligated in each Georgia congressional district.

Congressional District  Number of projects    Amount Obligated
  ----------------------  ------------------    ----------------
                        1                    34          $86,665,347
                      ---                   ---          -----------
                        2                    43          $86,835,121
                      ---                   ---          -----------
                        3                    38          $85,771,226
                      ---                   ---          -----------
                        4                    19          $56,778,387
                      ---                   ---          -----------
                        5                    12          $38,240,488
                      ---                   ---          -----------
                        6                    23          $66,378,240
                      ---                   ---          -----------
                        7                     8          $63,631,194
                      ---                   ---          -----------
                        8                    31         $117,272,487
                      ---                   ---         ------------
                        9                    22          $21,766,493
                      ---                   ---          -----------
                       10                    43          $87,392,499
                      ---                   ---          -----------
                       11                    18          $42,277,506
                      ---                   ---          -----------
                       12                    37          $43,465,818
                      ---                   ---          -----------
                       13                    13          $39,155,780
                      ---                   ---          -----------
       Multidistrict                          2           $1,171,095
       -------------                        ---           ----------

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Governor Certifies $66 Million in Transportation Projects

On November 9, Governor Sonny Perdue announced that he has certified $65.8 million in transportation projects under the “1511 Certification” that will be funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

“These projects will bring safety improvements and needed maintenance and support to roads, intersections and bridges around Georgia,” said Governor Perdue. “The federal funds will make our roads safe and strengthen our transportation network.”

For more information, visit Georgia DOT’s stimulus website at www.dot.state.ga.us/gastimulus .The list of the projects approved is below:


Baker CR 122/PRETORIA ROAD FROM SR 91 TO DOUGHERTY COUNTY LINE

Resurface & Maintenance

Baldwin CS 701/BLANDY ROAD FROM SR 49 TO SR 22

Resurface & Maintenance

Baldwin CR 69/BROWNS CROSSING ROAD FROM SR 49 TO SR 22

Resurface & Maintenance

Ben Hill CR 254/OSIERFIELD FROM SR 206 TO IRWIN COUNTY LINE

Resurface & Maintenance

Berrien CR 359/WYCLIFF ROBERTS ROAD FM SR 158 TO CR 238/GLADYS ROAD

Resurface & Maintenance

Bryan, Chatham I-95 FROM SR 25/US 17/BRYAN TO I-16/CHATHAM

Resurface & Maintenance

Bulloch CR 577/DENMARK-NEVILS ROAD FM CR 584/GROVELAND ROAD TO SR 67

Resurface & Maintenance

Butts CR 296/BROWNLEE ROAD FM SR 36 TO CR 136 @ MONROE COUNTY LINE

Resurface & Maintenance

Camden CR 141/HARRIETTS BLUFF ROAD FM DEEP CREEK TO CHEMICAL PLANT

Resurface & Maintenance

Chattooga CR 329/GORE-SUBLIGNA RD FROM SR 1/US 27 TO CR 29/JOHNSTON RD

Resurface & Maintenance

Chattooga CR 325/NARROWS RD FM CR 337 TO W OF CR 330 - STABILIZATION

Pavement Rehab

Cherokee SR 5BU FROM SR 140/WALESKA TO CS 785/RIVERSTONE BLVD

Signals - Safety

Clarke CR 470/MAIN ST FM CR 134/ATHENS RD TO OGLETHORPE COUNTY LINE

Resurface & Maintenance

Clarke CR 140/OLD ELBERTON FM CR 477/VOYLES RD TO MADISON CO LINE

Resurface & Maintenance

Clarke CR 120/SMOKEY ROAD FROM NOWHERE ROAD TO HELICAN SPRINGS ROAD

Resurface & Maintenance

Clayton CR 311/PINE RIDGE RD FROM SR 3/US 19 TO CR 312/PHILLIPS DR

Resurface & Maintenance

Clayton CR 1351/REX ROAD FROM SR 42 TO I-675

Resurface & Maintenance

Cobb CR 1720/WINDY HILL FM CR 1154/POWERS FERRY RD TO SR 3/US 41

Resurface & Maintenance

Colquitt CS 759/CS 1025/WEST BLVD FM SR 33/US 319 TO CS 753/FIFTH AVE

Resurface & Maintenance

Cook CR 247/MASSEE POST RD FROM BOONE RD TO LONNIE GRIMSLEY RD

Resurface & Maintenance

Dooly CR 320/ELKO ROAD FROM HOUSTON COUNTY LINE TO SR 7

Resurface & Maintenance

Dougherty SR 300/US 19 MEDIAN TURN LANES FROM MITCHELL CO TO WORTH CO

Turn Lanes - Safety

Dougherty WEST OAKRIDGE DRIVE FM OLD PRETORIA ROAD TO LOCKETT STATION

Resurface & Maintenance

Effingham CR 307/CLYO-KILDARE ROAD FROM SR 21 TO N OF PR 443

Resurface & Maintenance

Elbert CR 307/THIRTEEN FORKS ROAD FROM SR 77 TO HART COUNTY LINE

Resurface & Maintenance

Evans CR 233/OLD HWY 250 FM TATTNALL CO LINE TO CR 204/SUNBURY RD

Resurface & Maintenance

Floyd CS 1124/BROAD STREET FROM SR 1/US 27 TO COOSA RIVER

Resurface & Maintenance

Floyd CS 642/CHARLTON ST FROM SR 1/US 27 TO CR 1050/DIVISION ST

Resurface & Maintenance

Franklin CR 418/CR 419/BOLD SPRINGS RD FM SR 106 TO SR 59; EXC SR 26

Resurface & Maintenance

Fulton JOHNS CREEK GREENWAY SEGMENT 1 PART 2

Bicycle/Ped. Facility

Gordon CR 483/CRAIGTOWN ROAD FROM SR 225 TO SR 3/US 41

Resurface & Maintenance

Gordon CR 483/NEWTOWN CHURCH ROAD FROM SR 225 TO CR 21/NEWTOWN ROAD

Resurface & Maintenance

Grady CR 315/17TH AVE FM SR 93/SR 111 TO 0.30 MI E OF SR 38/US 84

Resurface & Maintenance

Habersham CR 387/DEMOREST/MT AIRY ROAD FROM SR 385/US 442 TO SR 365

Resurface & Maintenance

Hancock CR 180/POWELLTON AVE FM HAMILTON ST TO SPARTA CITY LIMITS

Resurface & Maintenance

Hart CR 505/LIBERTY CHURCH ROAD FROM SR 172 TO ELBERT COUNTY LINE

Resurface & Maintenance

Jackson CR 426/WAYNE POULTRY FM OLD GAINESVILLE HWY TO VALENTINE PKY

Resurface & Maintenance

Jefferson CS 561/MIDVILLE ROAD FROM SR 4 TO SR 24

Resurface & Maintenance

Jefferson CR 59/QUAKER ROAD FROM SR 17 TO SR 80

Resurface & Maintenance

Johnson CR 203/BAY SPRINGS CHURCH RD FM SR 26 TO MT OLIVE CHURCH RD

Resurface & Maintenance

Jones CR 292/BOWEN HILL ROAD FROM CR 107/SMITH ROAD TO SR 49

Resurface & Maintenance

Lamar CR 214/HIGH FALLS PARK FROM SR 36 TO MONROE COUNTY LINE

Resurface & Maintenance

Laurens CS 768/ROBERSON ST FROM SR 19/US 80 TO CS 770/KNOX ST

Resurface & Maintenance

Laurens CR 526/OLD MACON RD FM EVERGREEN RD TO WILKINSON COUNTY LINE

Resurface & Maintenance

Lee CR 227/PINEWOOD RD FM KINCHAFOONEE CRK TO CR 229/BRONWOOD RD

Resurface & Maintenance

Lee CR 231/NORTH PHILEMA ROAD FROM SR 32 TO CR 232/NEW YORK ROAD

Resurface & Maintenance

Lowndes CR 779/HOWELL RD FM CR 1274/STATENVILLE TO SR 7/PERIMETER RD

Resurface & Maintenance

Lowndes CR 782/MORVEN ROAD FROM SR 122 TO BROOKS COUNTY LINE

Resurface & Maintenance

LumpkinCR 134/DAMASCUS CHURCH RD FM SR 9/US 19 TO WHITE COUNTY LINE

Resurface & Maintenance

Macon CR 282/DRAYTON RD FM CR 22/TWIN CHURCHS RD TO DOOLY CO LINE

Resurface & Maintenance

Madison CR 394/LEXINGTON ROAD FROM SR 72 TO OGLETHORPE COUNTY LINE

Resurface & Maintenance

McDuffie CS 663/RAILDROAD STREET FROM SR 17 TO SR 223

Resurface & Maintenance

McDuffie CR 309/HAPPY VALLEY ROAD FROM SR 17 TO CR 297/SAND HILL ROAD

Resurface & Maintenance

Miller CR 189/GRADY COBB RD FM SHINGLER RD TO THREE NOTCH RD

Resurface & Maintenance

Mitchell CR 275/RIVER ROAD FROM SR 65 TO CR 11/SLASH ROAD

Resurface & Maintenance

Muscogee WARM SPRINGS RAIL LINE BIKE/PED TRAIL - PHASE III

TE-Bike/Ped Facility

Muscogee ATMS/SIGNAL/CCTV/FIBER IN COLUMBUS

Safety

Muscogee ATMS: COLUMBUS/MUSCOGEE COUNTY/GDOT REGIONAL TCC

Safety

Oglethorpe CR 77/WOLFSKIN ROAD FROM CR 240 TO CLARKE COUNTY LINE

Resurface & Maintenance

Paulding CR 467/DALLAS NEBO ROAD FROM SR 61 TO CR 472/FROG ROAD

Resurface & Maintenance

Pike CR 161/KINGS ROAD FROM SR 109 TO UPSON COUNTY LINE

Resurface & Maintenance

Pulaski CR 198/BURNT BRIDGE FROM SR 26 TO SR 230

Resurface & Maintenance

Rabun OLD 441 FM S OF CR 218 TO CS 514 & FM CS 501 TO SR 15/US 441

Resurface & Maintenance

Randolph CR 161/LOWER SHELLMAN FROM SR 41 TO TERRELL COUNTY LINE

Resurface & Maintenance

Richmond CR 1509/KEYSVILLE ROAD FROM SR 88 TO BURKE COUNTY LINE

Resurface & Maintenance

Screven CR 243/E OGEECHEE ST FM SR 73 TO SYLVANIA CITY LIMITS

Resurface & Maintenance

Stephens CR 538/BROOKHAVEN CIR FM CR 43/E SILVER SHOALS RD TO SR 328

Resurface & Maintenance

Tattnall CR 509/OLD HWY 250 FM SR 73/US 301 TO EVANS COUNTY LINE

Resurface & Maintenance

Tift CR 418/OLD UNION RD FROM SOUTHWELL BLVD TO OMEGA-ELDORADO RD

Resurface & Maintenance

Toombs CR 335/THOMPSON POND ROAD FROM SR 292 TO VIDALIA CITY LIMITS

Resurface & Maintenance

Towns CR 172/GUM LOG RD FM W OF WINCHESTER CRK RD TO BARNARD RD

Resurface & Maintenance

Troup CR 407/BARTLEY ROAD FROM SHOEMAKER ROAD TO SR 1

Resurface & Maintenance

Turner CR 249/WARWICK HWY FM E OF CR 96/OAK GROVE TO CR 94/LEE RD

Resurface & Maintenance

Twiggs CR 193/SGODA-HUBER ROAD FM SR 87 TO CR 185/RIGGINS MILL ROAD

Resurface & Maintenance

Union CR 341/OLD BLUE RIDGE HWY FM CR 117 TO LITTLE YOUNGCANE CRK

Resurface & Maintenance

Upson CR 421/BARNESVILLE ROAD FROM SR 74 TO LAMAR COUNTY LINE

Resurface & Maintenance

Warren CR 174/FIVE POINTS JEWELL ROAD FROM SR 16 TO SR 123

Resurface & Maintenance

Washington CR 446/RIDGE ROAD FROM SR 88 TO SR 15

Resurface & Maintenance

Wayne CR 392/SUNSET BLVD FROM SR 169 TO N OF SR 38/US 84

Resurface & Maintenance

White CR 68/HULSEY ROAD FROM SR 75 TO SR 11/US 129

Resurface & Maintenance

Wilkes CS 612/ANDREWS DRIVE FROM SR 17/US 78BU TO SR 47

Resurface & Maintenance

Worth CR 415/PHILLIP CAUSEY ROAD FROM SR 33 TO CR 412/SUMNER ROAD

Resurface & Maintenance

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New ACCG Report Reveals Trends in Transportation Solutions and Funding Nationwide

The Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) has released a report which examines efforts by other states to increase transportation funding since 2000. This report, “Coping with Transportation Funding Deficits: A Survey of the States,” incorporates information from more than 35 states and highlights how these states are working to address transportation infrastructure investment needs through a variety of methods and revenue sources. The report identifies several trends, including the growing popularity of asking voters to approve new transportation funding that is not tied to traditional sources such as the motor fuel tax but instead is tailored to meet the specific needs of their state and local governments.

“We need to come together to find a solution that addresses both the state’s needs and allows counties and regions of counties the flexibility to meet their varied needs,” said ACCG Executive Director Jerry Griffin. “This report shows that other states are facing similar challenges and finding solutions – Georgia can do the same.”

Key findings in the report include:

· Referenda were the most frequently used method to increase transportation funding. At least 210 referenda were proposed to increase revenues for transportation since 2000, with varying levels of success. States are veering away from the traditional transportation revenue source of motor fuel taxes; instead, referenda were primarily regarding sales and property taxes, bonds and other fees.

· Many states are enabling local governments and existing or newly-defined regions to develop their own revenue generating solutions. More local tax measures (173) were proposed than any other type of referenda. In addition, 19 regional measures also were proposed. The majority (13) of these proposals included sales tax increases, and nine of them were approved.

· Most of the statewide measures that were proposed to voters were for the approval of bond projects. Fourteen of the seventeen statewide ballot measures were for bond approvals.

· Many state legislatures are taking direct action to increase transportation funding. Six states increased the motor fuel tax. Twelve raised fees, primarily vehicle registration fees, and three enabled their largest metropolitan regions to levy sales taxes for transportation.

The report inventories specific proposals at the local, regional and state level, and includes the purpose for which the funds were proposed. It also includes additional information on legislation enacted by state legislatures.

“Our primary purpose in developing this report was to assist Georgia’s policymakers by providing them with a comprehensive overview of legislative strategies used by other states,” said Matthew Hicks, ACCG Associate Policy Director for Economic Development and Transportation. “We learned that there is no single answer to transportation funding. States are developing solutions to meet their specific needs and empowering local governments with the tools necessary to address their own transportation challenges.”

ACCG is a strong proponent of investing in transportation infrastructure in Georgia to achieve state transportation goals and to provide consistent funding for transportation projects at the local level. ACCG has actively worked with the Governor’s Office, state legislators, the Department of Transportation and state transportation authorities and others including the Get Georgia Moving Coalition to meet the needs of all Georgians.

The “Coping with Transportation Funding Deficits” report was compiled using information from several organizations that track transportation funding and finance, including the Center for Transportation Excellence, a non-partisan policy research center created to serve the needs of communities and transportation organizations nationwide, and the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). In addition, ACCG staff conducted informal surveys of 27 states via phone and email interviews, as well as Internet searches. The complete report is available at www.accg.org.
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Governor Perdue Certifies $8.6 Million in Transportation Projects

Governor Sonny Perdue announced Thursday that he has submitted the required “1511 Certification” on three transportation projects that will be funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

“These funds include needed intersection improvements and bridge repairs,” said Governor Perdue. “We are using these federal dollars to improve our transportation network and to put Georgians to work.”

For more information visit Georgia DOT’s stimulus website at www.dot.state.ga.us/gastimulus .
The list of projects is below:

County
Description
Work Type
Total Funding

Cook
SR 7/US 41 @ Giddens Mill Creek in North Adel
Bridges
$4,263,368

Pierce
SR 203/Strickland Street @ CR 309/Old Alma Road
Intersection Improvement
$2,364,863

Pike
SR 18/SR 109 and SR 74 Intersection Improvement
Intersection Improvement
$2,000,000

Grand Total

$8,628,231
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Governor Perdue Dedicates Parkway, Rail Projects

Projects in Appling, Wayne counties vital to economic development in region

Governor Sonny Perdue joined local officials today to celebrate the completion of two transportation infrastructure projects designed to improve the mobility of people and products in the region.

Governor Perdue cut the ribbon on the Brunswick-to-Perry Golden Isles Parkway in Appling County which links the port of Brunswick to Middle Georgia with a continuous four-lane highway. The Governor also dedicated a new railroad passing siding on Norfolk-Southern's 183-mile track between Macon and Brunswick, the second big enhancement of rail traffic to and from the Port of Brunswick.

“Georgia continues to attract industry because business leaders understand quick and efficient movement of goods is a key to success,” said Governor Perdue. “These kinds of upgrades in our transportation network will ensure safer travel for tourists, better access for industries and improved connectivity in this area of the state.”

Formed in 2006, the 341 Alliance is comprised of development authority and chamber of commerce professionals from each of the eight counties that front Hwy 341 between Perry and Brunswick. Specifically, Houston, Pulaski, Dodge, Telfair, Jeff Davis, Appling, Wayne and Glynn counties are involved. Acknowledging the importance of the corridor to future economic development endeavors, the Alliance has been a strong advocate for completion of the four lane project.

The full widening of U.S. 341/Golden Isles Parkway now provides travelers with a direct four-lane route from I-75 in Middle Georgia to I-95 along the Georgia coast. Beginning north of Perry in Culloden and stretching to the Port of Brunswick, the Parkway runs through the heart of many small towns that are vital to the economies of middle and southeast Georgia. The expansion of the Parkway is expected to benefit future tourism development and industry recruitment efforts in this part of Georgia.

The Southeast Georgia Joint Development Authority and Norfolk Southern worked together to build a passing siding on the line that runs between Macon and Brunswick serving the Port of Brunswick. The Southeast Georgia Joint Development Authority was chartered in March 2005 and consists of six counties: Brantley, Camden, Charlton, Glynn, McIntosh, and Wayne. The current rail configuration was known to cause three hour delays as one train had to wait on another to clear the tracks. This system had the largest negative impact on unit trains with 60-75 cars carrying the same commodity and traveling nonstop.

The railroad passing siding on Norfolk-Southern's 183-mile track between Macon and Brunswick is the second big enhancement of rail traffic to and from the Port of Brunswick. The first came in September 2006 with the opening of Overton Junction, a 7,500-foot connecting track between CSX Transportation and Norfolk-Southern lines north of Brunswick. Previously, trains from the railroads had to go all the way into Brunswick and switch cars in two separate yards.
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Governor Perdue, Georgia DOT and State Farm Insurance Unveil New Sponsorship Initiative

Governor Sonny Perdue, Georgia transportation officials and the State Farm Insurance Co. today announced a new collaborative sponsorship designed to create a long-term, supplemental funding source for the Department's Highway Emergency Response Operator (HERO) program.

"We know that incident management is one of the most effective, efficient methods to relieving congestion," Governor Perdue said. "This partnership ensures sustainable funding is available to keep our HERO trucks busy clearing wrecks and keeping traffic moving."

As a result of this sponsorship agreement, Georgia DOT will receive over $5.1 million ($1.7m/yr) in sponsorship fees from State Farm over the next three years to support the HERO program. There is an option to renew the contract for an additional two years, with the Department receiving $1.825 million for each renewal year. All monies received will be used to support the HERO program. In return, State Farm logos will be placed on HERO vehicles, operator uniforms and signs delineating the HERO service area. And the program will henceforth be known as the Georgia DOT HERO Program, sponsored by State Farm Insurance.

"Our HERO motor service patrol is one of Georgia DOT's most acclaimed programs," noted State Transportation Board Member Brandon Beach, who was instrumental in advocating the sponsorship deal. "We are thrilled at the opportunity to create new revenue sources that will sustain funding for this critical program, both now and in the future. We're going to save the taxpayers millions of dollars in operating costs and allow Georgia DOT HEROs to continue doing what they do best... protecting lives and property; assisting motorists; and reducing incident delays."

"State Farm's support of this program underscores our commitment to help make our roads safer. The HERO program shares our good neighbor commitment and is a partner in our mission of helping people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams." said Tim McFadden, Senior Vice President with State Farm.

As the need for additional funding sources increased, Georgia DOT staff and State Transportation Board members began aggressively pursuing strategies to effectively overcome budget challenges. Recognizing that there may be interest in sponsoring various aspects of its operations in return for advertising privileges, Georgia DOT officials researched similar highway response programs in other states and concluded that a sponsorship program would prove beneficial to the Department. The State Transportation Board then directed the Department last December to pursue this type of sponsorship.

The sponsorship opportunity was advertised January 9, 2009, in a Request for Qualifications/Request for Proposal (RFQ/RFP); a Department selection committee, using criteria stipulated in the RFQ/RFP, awarded the sponsorship to State Farm from three respondents.

The resulting contract term is three years with a two-year renewal period. Sponsorship fees will be paid to the Department as follows:

. Year 1 - $1,700,000 payable upon execution of the Agreement

. Year 2 - $1,700,000 payable on or before May 1, 2010

. Year 3 - $1,700,000 payable on or before May 1, 2011

. (Renewal year) 4 - $1,825,000 payable on or before May 1, 2012

. (Renewal year) 5 - $1,825,000 payable on or before May 1, 2013

Sponsorship fees will be used solely to support and supplement the operation of the HERO program, which currently has an annual operating budget of approximately $7.5 million, 80 percent of which is provided by federal funds, 20 percent by state revenues.
Currently, HERO operators patrol 280 miles of freeways in 13 Metro counties, seven days per week. HERO assists increased nearly 100 percent in the last five years and now approach 100,000 annually.

State Farm is a leading advocate for safer roads and provides ongoing support of auto safety initiatives through partnerships with automotive safety organizations as well as financial and operational resources. For more information on State Farm, visit www.StateFarm.com .
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. For general information on the Georgia DOT, visit www.dot.ga.gov.
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First Georgia Stimulus Projects to be let in May

The State Transportation Board selected 49 projects across Georgia earlier this month as the first installment of hundreds of transportation projects throughout the state that will begin during the coming year utilizing $932 million in federal stimulus funds designed to create and sustain jobs.

The Board voted this week to focus the Georgia Department of Transportation’s May letting on moving the economic stimulus projects forward. Accordingly, the first 49 projects – valued at approximately $111 million and ranging from resurfacing State Route 75 in Towns County in Northeast Georgia to safety improvements on Buford Highway in Metro Atlanta to replacing a bridge over Drag Nasty Creek in southwest Georgia’s Clay County – will be let (prospective contractors’ bids accepted and opened) on May 22. Bid awards to contractors should occur some two weeks later and actual construction begin in July.

“It is extremely important that we put Georgia’s contractors back to work and that they, in turn, put thousands of Georgians back to work,” Transportation Board Chairman Bill Kuhlke, Jr., noted. “These first 49 projects are a good beginning. Many more are in the pipeline. We’ve instructed Department staff to make stimulus implementation, which is all about creating and saving jobs for Georgians, a top priority of Georgia DOT.”

The 49 projects are the first to begin of 135 selected by the Board last month for stimulus funding and are among those certified by Governor Sonny Perdue on April 7. Pending similar gubernatorial certification, the remaining 86 projects, valued at some $401 million, will be let in June and subsequent months as Georgia’s Phase One highway and intermodal stimulus programs. In addition, the Board is expected to select by December projects for another $343 million in Phase Two stimulus funding.

The transportation stimulus funds are a component of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, a nationwide effort to create jobs and transform America’s economy to compete in the 21st century. Nationwide, some $48 billion in stimulus investments will be made in transportation infrastructure, including highways, public transit, high speed rail and aviation.

Georgia DOT is responsible for 70 percent of Georgia’s $932 million in highway system stimulus funds. The remaining 30 percent goes to the state’s 15 metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), which are determining projects to be funded from their respective allocations. The state also is receiving $144 million in stimulus funds for public transit and is eligible for additional highway, rail and aviation grants from funds totaling $12.1 billion.

All selected stimulus projects will be fully funded by the federal government; no state or local matching funds are required.

Georgia DOT has created a Web page (www.dot.ga.gov/gastimulus) devoted to stimulus activities to provide specific program information and promote transparency of the process. The list of projects selected for the May letting can be viewed on this page, along with other important ARRA information.

The State Transportation Board determines policy and exercises general governance of Georgia’s Department of Transportation. The Board’s 13 members, representing each of the state’s congressional districts, serve staggered, five-year terms. Board members are elected by those state senators and representatives whose legislative districts fall within all or part of the relevant 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.

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DOT Adviser Applauds Rep. Blumenauer's Plan to Link Transportation Finance, Investment and Climate Change Initiatives

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Environmental Defense Fund applauds U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) for launching a debate today about how new transportation finance measures can work together with climate change initiatives to shape sustainable transportation reforms.

Congressman Blumenauer's 10-year "National Plan to Reinvest in America" envisions a transition from the current federal gas tax revenue system of transportation financing to road-use fees (based on vehicle miles traveled), revenue generated from selling carbon credits, and other new funding sources. Collectively, these revenue sources could raise much of the $100 billion a year that may be needed to fix and improve transportation infrastructure over the next decade, more than double the current funding level provided by federal gas tax revenues, which continue to decline as people drive less and use more fuel efficient vehicles.

The Blumenauer plan explores a 10-year strategy for transportation infrastructure funding, which reflects the growing consensus that the United States needs to implement a new transportation revenue system or face serious budget shortfalls. Recent studies have shown that under-investment in transportation and dependence on the federal gas tax to be key causes of poor transportation system performance that cost drivers $78 billion a year in congestion-related costs and contribute to rising greenhouse gas emissions.

"Congressman Blumenauer understands that the old way of funding our transportation infrastructure is a dead end in the new economy," said Michael Replogle, a civil engineer, transportation director for Environmental Defense Fund and an adviser to the U.S. Department of Transportation on intelligent transportation systems. "This plan shows that Congressman Blumenauer understands that any solution to climate change and the problems facing our economy depend on investing in and improving our transportation infrastructure."

"Key elements of this plan -- such as road-use fees, a carbon cap, and carbon auctions generating revenues that can be dedicated in part to transportation -- can help finance a shift to cleaner infrastructure and expanded travel choices for Americans who are stuck in traffic without any alternatives to driving," added Replogle. "It is crucial that new revenue measures send appropriate incentives to travelers and system managers to make wise stewardship and consumer choices."

"However, a key factor determining whether transportation contributes to cutting greenhouse gases will be how revenue is spent, not just how it's raised," Replogle concluded. "We look forward to working with Congressman Blumenauer and other congressional leaders to make sure we are raising and spending revenue on transportation in ways that maximize opportunities to cut both congestion and greenhouse gas emissions."

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