Atlanta — May 05, 2022
The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is accepting public comment on a proposed amendment to the region’s Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) that would allocate $45 million in funding from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
The funds would pay for electric buses and charging stations, upgrades to transit infrastructure in Cobb and Clayton counties, and road improvements. It would be the first allocation of transportation dollars from the infrastructure bill since it was adopted late last year.
“This initial round of funding demonstrates the impact of the infrastructure law to help us build a safer, better connected, more equitable, and resilient region,” said Anna Roach, Executive Director of the Atlanta Regional Commission. “The Atlanta region must work together to maximize the transformative potential of the infrastructure law, from a transportation standpoint but also our water infrastructure, broadband access, cybersecurity, and workforce development.”
The amended project list was developed in collaboration with the Georgia Department of Transportation and local transportation agencies to include time-sensitive projects for which funding could be authorized by the end of the state fiscal year on June 30, 2022.
Most of the projects were already in the region’s funding pipeline and were able to be accelerated because of the infrastructure law. One exception: electric bus pilot taps into brand-new federal funds – about $12.5 million – made available through the law’s Carbon Reduction Program.
The total cost of the projects is $58 million, including required local matching funds. The proposed projects include:
A regional pilot program enabling local transit agencies to purchase electric buses and install EV charging stations. A competitive application process will take place later this year, to be administered by the Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority.
Federal funds: $11.9 million
Local match: $3 million
Total: $14.9 million
Upgrades to Clayton County’s main transit center in Jonesboro, including construction of covered waiting areas, restrooms, and ticketing facilities.
Federal funds: $9.6 million
Local match: $2.4 million
Total: $12 million
System-wide upgrades to the CobbLinc transit system to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians and people with disabilities. Upgrades include sidewalks, bus shelters, curb cuts, and crosswalks.
Federal funds: $11.5 million
Local match $2.9 million
Total: $14.4 million
Purchase of 22 compressed natural gas buses for MARTA
Federal funds: $12.1 million
Local match: $3.1 million
Total: $15.2 million
Planning for two future road projects: widening of SR 155 between I-75 and Hampton-Locust Grove Road in Henry County; and grade separation at the intersection of SR 316 and Harry McCarty Road in Barrow County.
Federal Funds: $640,000
Local Match: $160,000
Total: $800,000
The Transportation Improvement Program allocates federal and state funding for transportation projects across the region and is updated several times throughout the year, as projects change or new funding becomes available.
The public comment period will run from May 5 to May 18. Submit comments to transportation@atlantaregional.org.
A public hearing will take place in-person during the joint Transportation and Air Quality Committee and ARC Board meeting on May 11 at 10:30 a.m.
Additional details are available at atlantaregional.org/amendment.
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The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is the official planning agency for the 11-county Atlanta Region, including Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale counties as well as the City of Atlanta and 74 other cities. The Atlanta Regional Commission serves as a catalyst for regional progress by focusing leadership, attention and planning resources on key regional issues.
Contact Name: Olivia Haas
Contact Phone: (470) 378-1516
Contact Email: ohaas@atlantaregional.org
ARC’s Strategic Partners are committed to fostering collaborative regional approaches that improve quality of life in metro Atlanta. Their support elevates ARC leadership programs, research and events throughout the year. Learn more.
