Georgia Governor Nathan Deal has put the finishing touch on a MARTA expansion bill, his signature. He signed Senate Bill 369 while surrounded by MARTA CEO Keith Parker and legislative
Georgia Governor Nathan Deal has put the finishing touch on a MARTA expansion bill, his signature. He signed Senate Bill 369 while surrounded by MARTA CEO Keith Parker and legislative sponsors, including chief architect of the measure Speaker Pro Tempore Jan Jones (R-Milton).
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed released a statement thanking Governor Deal and Representative Jones for their foresight and willingness to collaborate on a measure that will propel Atlanta forward.
"Atlanta’s residents have spoken loud and clear – they want transit solutions that will allow everyone to fully participate in the cultural and economic life of our city, and for our city to maintain its position as the cultural and economic leader of the Southeast.”
The new law allows the City of Atlanta to ask voters for an additional half penny sales tax to fund the expansion of MARTA. The city council must call for a referendum on the November 2016 ballot by June 30. It is estimated that, if passed, $2.5 billion in new revenue would be generated for transit projects within the city limits.
SB 369 also allows Fulton County (outside of Atlanta) to ask voters to support up to a .75 sales tax to fund road projects. The county commission is responsible for calling that referendum.
Check here for a summary of the new law and here for an overview of the process and timeline for both the city and county referenda.
