South Cobb Officials to Host TSPLOST Meeting Thursday

Sen. Doug Stoner, who represents South Cobb in Senate District 6, is joining Austell Rep. David Wilkerson and Smyrna Rep. Stacey Evans to host a forum Thursday exploring the various initiatives and projects of the proposed transportation project list, which includes improvements to .

In mid-August, the Atlanta Regional Commission executive committee cut an original wish list of 400 projects, costing $22 billion, down to just over 100, including a $12.8 million rail line connecting Smyrna's Cumberland area to Midtown Atlanta's Arts Center MARTA station.

The projects could be funded by a penny special purpose local option sales tax for transportation (TSPLOST), which is set to be put to voters in a regional referendum in July of 2012. However, Gov. Nathan Deal has asked Georgia lawmakers during the current special session to move it to the general election, Nov. 6, 2012. If voters approve, the tax could generate about $7.2 billion over a 10-year period — which would cover the $6.1 billion cost of these regional projects.

The list won't be final until October, and the ARC's executive committee is hosting several public hearings to get residents' feedback.

The transportation forum will be held Thursday, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at Brawner Hall, Taylor-Brawner Park, 3180 Atlanta Road S.E. in Smyrna.

"As a long time proponent of cutting edge transportation, I am excited to explore with our constituents the details of the Transportation Investment Act draft project list that has been initiated by the region. Critical to the region's ability to attract businesses and jobs to our area is the reduction of gridlock and transportation planning," said Stoner in a Democratic Caucus release.

"Too often we hear of companies choosing to locate in other southeastern states because of our lack of transportation planning.  Now, we have an opportunity to address this issue head on," Stoner stated.

Faye DiMassimo, director of Cobb County's Department of Transportation, will provide a presentation on the Transportation Investment Act project list, which is attached to this article. Residents will be able to ask questions about the projects and provide input.

For more information contact Karla Johnson, 404-463-2518.

-Patch Editor Hunt Archbold contributed to this report.