Funding for Transit Update
Last week the Metro Atlanta Regional Transportation Roundtable received the Atlanta Regional Commission's staff-developed transportation project list. The roundtable had requested the agency staff to narrow the $23 billion unconstrained list down to an $11.5 billion project list. Happily, the ARC staff list includes $5.5 billion for transit projects. The roundtable must now pare the ARC list down to $6.2 billion, the amount of revenue projected to be generated by the 1 penny sales tax over its 10-year life.
The Sierra Club has joined the Livable Communities Coalition launched their Fair Share for Transit initiative to make the case that the region must use this opportunity to enhance and expand transit. The goal is to ensure that 40 to 60 percent of the projects on the final list are transit projects.
We are pleased to see a significant commitment to transit in the ARC staff list. We hope that the roundtable members share a similar commitment to transit as they work towards generating their $6.2 billion draft by Aug. 15. The roundtable has found through poll data, focus groups and telephone town halls that there is a public appetite for more transit options through rail, bus, bike -- and by foot.
The Livable Communities Coalition -- along with its Fair Share for Transit partners -- will evaluate the transit and safe-routes-to-transit projects included in the ARC staff list. Through that process we will generate our own list of projects that we think will help the region enhance mobility, quality of life and its economic competitiveness.
Yesterday's list is a good start because it reflects a serious commitment to those principles. And now, the devil will be in the details. Stay tuned!
Georgia Chapter Retreat
Sierra Club Executive Director Mike Brune is coming to Georgia! The Georgia Chapter Retreat will be September 30th-October 2nd on Jekyll Island. Dolphin watching, riding bikes, fishing, kayaking, learning more about how you can help the Georgia Chapter enjoy, explore and protect the planet. Click here for more information and registration.
Sierra Club Meetings
Fundraising Committee, Wednesday, July 20th, 7:00p.m., Kerry McArdle - Chair, kerry.mcardle@hotmail.com RAIL Committee Meeting, Monday, July 25th, 7:00 p.m., Jim Dexter - Chair, call 678-313-2407, jimdex@aol.com Atlanta Inner City Outings (ICO), Tuesday, July 27th, 7:30p.m., contact Allison Williams adwilliams8@yahoo.com Smart Energy Team Meeting, Monday, August 1st, 6:30p.m. refreshments, 7p.m. start, Mike Walls - Chair, mwalls@ellijay.com Beyond Factory Farming, Monday, August 8th, 7p.m., Leah Garces - Chair, Leah.Garces@ciwf.org.uk Wildlands and Wildlife Committee Meeting, Tuesday, August 16th, 7:00p.m., Mike Murdock - Chair, murdock1@mindspring.com |
The Last Mountain Showing in Macon - July 18th
Come join the Sierra Club with co-sponsors Altamahah Riverkeeper, State Senator Robert Brown, and invited guest Chuck Leavell of the Rolling Stones and author of "Growing a Better America: Smart, Strong and Sustainable" at the free film screening of The Last Mountain at the Douglass Theatre in Macon, GA. Free parking in the deck next to the theatre. The 90 minute film will start promptly at 6:30 p.m. Please come early for refreshments at 6 p.m. More info here.
Kick Coal Kickball in Savannah - July 23rd
Join us at 9:00 a.m. in beautiful Forsyth Park by the tennis court and Farmer's Market for breakfast and a kickball game to protect Georgia's precious water resources! Coal plants and dirty energy use a lot of Georgia's water. With the pending adoption of the Georgia Statewide and Regional Water Plans, it is important for Georgia's water and coastal residents that we place energy efficiency and clean energy solutions at the top of the list. Click here for more info.
Ride the Solar Express - July 29th
Join Public Service Commissioner Tim Echols for a fun packed and
informative day all about solar energy and options for alternative
energy. Displays will be set up in the premium car for you to receive
education materials. Travel from Veterans State Park to Leslie and
Plains, GA to see what is going on around the state. Click here for tickets and info.
Sierra Club National Board Nominations -- July 31st
The Sierra Club is looking for passionate Club members who want to take on the exciting and challenging role of being a member of the Board of Directors. Our Directors set the priorities, policies, and national budget (with Club member input) that enable Club volunteers and staff to protect our environment and build programs and campaigns that expand our influence. We face many challenges sustaining and improving the quality of life on this planet. Applications are due July 31st, click here for more information, including an application.
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