Time is Almost Out to Make Your Voice Heard on Transportation
Only one day remains to speak out for Atlanta's transit future. Tomorrow (Thursday), the Regional Roundtable finalizes the project list for the proposed T-SPLOST penny sales tax. Over the last week, members have proposed a series of troubling amendments, which have taken the list from needs improvement into seriously problematic territory.
For the most part, these amendments slash much-needed transit funding in favor of yet more road projects - crippling Atlanta's next step as a transit leader. See the last issue of Footnotes for more details about the T-SPLOST. See the Regional Roundtable for more details about the amendments.
Of greatest concern is Amendment #5, which would slash 300 million dollars from the Northwest Corridor light rail line to Cobb County, critically endangering the viability of this project. Amendments #3 and #4 together would cut yet another 15 million dollars from Cobb light rail to fund two road widenings in Rockdale County. Finally, Amendments #9 and #10 both increase funding for GRTA suburban express buses at the expense of MARTA and various rail proposals -- #9 by taking 34 million dollars from MARTA and #10 by taking 80 million dollars from a combination of the Beltline, Clifton Corridor and the Nortwest Corridor light rail. Please urge the Roundtable members to oppose all of these.
The exception is Amendment #7, which would add a much-needed 300 million dollars for rail in South DeKalb by cutting money from the I-285/Ga. 400 interchange and further widening of 400 north of 285. Please urge the Roundtable to support it.
Please send a letter to the Regional Roundtable, stating your support for Amendment #7, and disapproval for the other amendments.
It is critical that transit supporters speak out for not approving the proposed amendments. If we can keep transit viable on the project list covered by the tax, this will be an essential major step towards putting Atlanta back on the map as a transportation innovator – attracting business and improving the way we live.
Quick Links
Yesterday Cobb EMC released its first ever quarterly finacial report. In addition to losing 2 million dollars during the quarter, the report also admits that Cobb EMC has already spent over 13 million dollars on Plant Washington's development. Read the Marietta Daily Journal story here.
Sierra Club Meetings
Beyond Factory Farming, Monday, October 10th, 7:30 p.m., Leah Garces - Chair, Leah.Garces@ciwf.org.uk Wildlands and Wildlife Committee Meeting, Wednesday, October 12th, 7:00 p.m., Mike Murdock - Chair, murdock1@mindspring.com Fundraising Committee, Wednesday, October 19th, 7:00 p.m., Clay Tucker - Chair, tuckerwf12@aol.com RAIL Committee Meeting, Monday, October 24th, 7:00 p.m., David Emory - Chair, david.emory@gmail.com Atlanta Inner City Outings (ICO), Tuesday, October 25th, 7:30 p.m., Allison Williams, adwilliams8@yahoo.comSmart Energy Team Meeting, Monday, November 7th, 6:30 p.m. refreshments, 7:00 p.m. start, Mike Walls - Chair, mwalls@ellijay.com |
Say NO to Keystone XL Pipeline! Tar Sands Action Outside CNN Center - October 14th
Folks are having a peaceful protest outside the CNN building in Atlanta, corner of Marietta St and Centennial Olympic Park Blvd at the southern end of Centennial Park. Make your sign, get ready to chant and sing, and come join us. Ask Obama to say no to Tar Sands and no to the Keystone XL Pipeline. Click here for more info.
National Wildlife Federation "Hike & Seek" - October 15th
National Wildlife Federation's popular Hike & Seek Adventure is coming to Piedmont Park in Atlanta on Saturday, October 15. Hike & Seek is a fundraising event that inspires children's sense of adventure by combining a nature hike and scavenger hunt. It brings children and adults together in the great outdoors for some fresh fall air and fun. The 1.8 mile hike has interactive "Stop & Study" nature stations with live animals, naturalists and engaging learning activities. The event is appropriate for children of all ages, especially toddlers to age 12.
John Muir Exhibit at Atlanta History Center Exhibit - October 13th -December 4th
Atlanta History Center will host the traveling exhibition Nature’s Beloved Son: Rediscovering John Muir’s Botanical Legacy traces his travels to Canada, Indiana, the American southeast, California, and Alaska, and presents vivid images and specimens of the actual plants that Muir held in his hands, carried in his pockets, and preserved for all time.
Hemlock Festival - November 4th-6th
The Wildlands Committee of the Georgia Chapter supports the Lumpkin Coalition's efforts to save Georgia's hemlocks from the woolly adelgid that is killing them. The Hemlock Festival raise public awareness of the Hemlock problem and promote action, supports the efforts of all three labs in Georgia that raise predatory beetles to combat the Hemlock woolly adelgid on public lands, and assist private landowners and public agencies in managing the health of their Hemlock trees. Volunteer for a shift at the Sierra Club table by contacting Mike Murdock.
Georgia Water Coalition Celebrates its 10th Anniversary - November 5th
The Georgia Water Coalition's mission is to protect and care for Georgia's water resources, which are essential for sustaining Georgia's prosperity, providing clean and abundant drinking water, preserving diverse aquatic habitats for wildlife and recreation, and strengthening property values. Join us for good food, good music, good company and a good time in celebration of the Georgia Water Coalition’s 10th Anniversary! 11:30-3pm Georgia Wildlife Federation's Alcovy Conservation Center 11600 Hazelbrand Road Covington, GA 30014. RSVP to Jennette Gayer.
Interested in reading more?
If you have missed an issue of Footnotes Online you can view them in our archive by clicking here. You can also sign up for alerts in order to take action at times when we need decision makers to hear from you. We need your help!