Forsyth Holds Georgia 400 Summit, TSPLOST to be Discussed
The first Georgia 400 Summit, billed as an economic development luncheon, will be held Thursday in Forsyth County.
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Georgia 400, love it or hate it, but most living in Forsyth County utilizes it to get from point A to point B.
The first GA 400 Summit will be held Thursday at the Forsyth Conference Center at Lanier Technical College from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The event, billed as an economic development luncheon, is expected to provide the region’s business leaders and elected officials an opportunity to discuss the importance and future of GA 400.
"We thought that the timing of this was particularly good to get together to chat a bit about GA 400, the impact it has on our community and what we all can be doing to be focused on its future development," said James McCoy, president of the Cumming-Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce, a co-host of Thursday's summit.
Some of the questions expected to be discussed:
- How can we reduce congestion on GA 400?
- How can we improve GA 400?
- What are the consequences of not improving GA 400?
McCoy said TSPLOST (Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) is also expected to be discussed. Voters in each of the 12 regions (Forsyth County is in Region 2, the (GMRC) Georgia Mountains Regional Commission) will vote on the proposed sales tax increase in a July 31 referendum.
"I'm sure the transportation referendum will be discussed," he said. "It [GA 400] is a major project when it comes to transportation for Cumming and Forsyth County."
McCoy went on to say that GA 400 is a $72 million project, $40 million of which would be funded through TSPLOST and the subsequent funding as a result of approval. The remaining portion would come from state and federal funds that had previously been committed to the project.
"This is an enormous opportunity for our community to have a very fast impact," he said. "And in fact if that [TSPLOST] is not approved, the options for what we can do to improve GA 400 are extremely limited."
McCoy added that Forsyth County is not part of the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), Region 3, and that the vote that is being taken for Atlanta is not in Forsyth County [as mentioned earlier].
Forsyth and Hall counties, being the two largest counties in the GMRC, "have the lion's share of projects in the region we are voting in," said McCoy.
According to the TSPLOST (pro-referendum) Web site, the projected TSPLOST economic impact for Region 2 for the years 2013-2022 is a $1.259 billion revenue projection.
Read the PDF file to the right for the final investment list for the Georgia Mountains, including projects in Forsyth County.
"As a citizen, as a business community person, I would much rather have the opportunity to have projects that are identified, projects that we know what we are voting on, and we know what will get done, and we know how that money is going to be managed – because it will be managed at a local level," said McCoy.
McCoy added that he hears people saying "ridiculous things" – 'oh we're giving this over to Atlanta.'"
He said, "It's a complete falsehood, it's a lie. This is all about our region and our community being able to look after ourselves."
Some of the other topics on the agenda will include the problems with Highway 369 located in the northern part of the county. McCoy said that highway has become the "default northern arc."
"It endures enormous truck traffic with folks cutting between [Interstates] 75 and 85 or visa versa. There are tremendous safety problems associated with, not just 369, but Martin Road and Jot Em' Down Road."
He also said there is plenty of congestion around the outlet mall in Dawson County and even further north where GA 400 ends.
Congestion, safety and awareness are big reasons why the summit is taking place.
"It's to raise the awareness that GA 400 is a top priority economically, both for the citizens who live here, and certainly from a safety and well-being standpoint," McCoy said.
Invited guests include:
- Rudy Bowen
Chairman
State Transportation Board of Georgia - Emily Dunn
Representative for the 9th Congressional District
State Transportation Board of Georgia - Todd Long
Deputy Commissioner
Georgia Department of Transportation - Gena Evans
Executive Director
State Road and Toll-way Authority
The cost is $30 for members of the Dawson County, Cumming-Forsyth County, or Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Chambers of Commerce, and $35 for non-chamber members.
More information on the summit can be found on the CFCCC Web site.
Isaac Lang
9:27 am on Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Someone please tell me what the local sales tax is up to now? I believe it is 8% with the latest vote pushed through for the new county jail and courthouse. Do we really want to see 9%? The commissioners are about to make recycling mandatory too. How much is enough?
We must ask ourselves as Forsythcountians, do we want highter taxes? Will this tax actually cover the costs of planned road projects? So far project taxes are falling about 40% short of their planned goals. These projects must be completed by law. That means those sales taxes must continue beyond their intended drop dead date just like the GA 400 toll booths.
Will this tax go to improve Forsyth County or will it be spent on roadways outside the county?
The local and national economy is in such poor shape and forecast to become ever worse. I don't believe a tax increase is helpful nor is it healthy for our economy. I recommend this be voted down,.
Liz Kennedy
11:40 am on Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Hi Isaac,
The current sales tax in Forsyth County is 7 percent - per Forsyth County Tax Commissioner -
Jeanne
2:59 pm on Wednesday, June 6, 2012
This sounds like a chance for the Chamber and others to hype the TSPLOST by scaring residents into thinking that it is the ONLY way to solve our traffic problems. Newsflash - more taxes, controlled by UNELECTED bureaucrats, that seeks to funnel large amounts of our money into MARTA - it's not only NOT a solution, it is redistribution of wealth.
William Evelyn Jr.
4:01 pm on Wednesday, June 6, 2012
All people in Forsyth need to understand that the projects in TSPLOST will not improve your commute to Atlanta. There is no project in Fulton County to widen or fix GA 400 nor is there any project from I-985 to the perimeter in Gwinnett. There is a 7 mile project to widen GA 400 from GA 20 to McFarland Road. But, this project is shorted $33 million from the projected cost of $73 million. We are only authorized $40 million.
We are the only county footing the bill $3.0 million to run a van service from the MARTA park and rides in Regions 1 - 5.
There is a sidewalk on Freedom Parkway.
And there is a project to widen Old Atlanta to the Fulton County line, but Fulton County has no project to widen the Road.
This TSPLOST is ridiculous and it is not republican government. We vote for people and authorize them to tax and spend. You did not authorize Jack Howard and Betty Boop Langardine in Banks County to vote to impose taxation and spending.
Punish the worthless politicians involved in this. On the actual Regional Commission picking projects was Brian Tam, Commissioner District 2 and Mayor Ford Gravitt, Mayor of Cumming. The two politicians running for office and that should not be allowed to return under the Gold Dome is State Senator Jack Murphy - D 27 and former State Rep Tom Knox running again in the new District 26.
Prevent all these men from abusing you by denying them office.
William Evelyn Jr.
4:02 pm on Wednesday, June 6, 2012
All people in Forsyth need to understand that the projects in TSPLOST will not improve your commute to Atlanta. There is no project in Fulton County to widen or fix GA 400 nor is there any project from I-985 to the perimeter in Gwinnett. There is a 7 mile project to widen GA 400 from GA 20 to McFarland Road. But, this project is shorted $33 million from the projected cost of $73 million. We are only authorized $40 million.
We are the only county footing the bill $3.0 million to run a van service from the MARTA park and rides in Regions 1 - 5.
There is a sidewalk on Freedom Parkway.
And there is a project to widen Old Atlanta to the Fulton County line, but Fulton County has no project to widen the Road.
This TSPLOST is ridiculous and it is not republican government. We vote for people and authorize them to tax and spend. You did not authorize Jack Howard and Betty Boop Langardine in Banks County to vote to impose taxation and spending.
Punish the worthless politicians involved in this. On the actual Regional Commission picking projects was Brian Tam, Commissioner District 2 and Mayor Ford Gravitt, Mayor of Cumming. The two politicians running for office and that should not be allowed to return under the Gold Dome is State Senator Jack Murphy - D 27 and former State Rep Tom Knox running again in the new District 26.
Prevent all these men from returning to Atlanta.
ATLienJayhawk
4:14 pm on Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Roads grow on trees...?
400 needs to be widened. Highway 9 needs to be widened. 141 needs to be widened. Post Road needs to be widened.
This costs money.
This also brings more business and jobs to the Forsyth economy.
Progress needs to be made to FoCo's infrastructure to support the population. An extra cent or two is not going to break your budget.
Catherine S
4:37 pm on Wednesday, June 6, 2012
ATLienJayhawk: TSPLOST is a whole lot more than an extra cent or two. It is a 1% increase of the existing sales & use tax, meaning people's total GA sales and use taxes will go up anywhere from 14-17%, depending on which county you live in. Add that to other splost taxes some counties pay, income taxes, fuel taxes, etc, and it is a massive increase (about a 10% increase in GA revenue). For more facts, see TrafficTruth at: http://traffictruth.net/, https://www.facebook.com/TrafficTruth, and @TrafficTruth on Twitter
marelli gardner
5:31 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
Really?? You know for some it will break the bank but that 's whats wrong with this country. if it doesn't effect you personally it doesn't matter. You do the math on this. It is a 14% increase and almost 50% goes to Marta and you are OK with this? So you must be one of those that trust everything the Government says and vote along without doing your homework?? We keep giving these politicians 1 cents here and 1 cents there and when will it end?? This T-splost will do nothing to solve our traffic volume and everything to pad the pockets of politicians. Also look around you...there are no business coming to Forsyth or anywhere else. We are on a down turn and our economy is not going to get better anytime soon, if anything I hear it will get worst so why spend money we don't have??
Catherine S
4:33 pm on Wednesday, June 6, 2012
For truth, facts, and some things you may not yet have heard about TSPLOST please visit TrafficTruth at: http://traffictruth.net/, https://www.facebook.com/TrafficTruth, and @TrafficTruth on Twitter
Jamie Meyer
6:32 pm on Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Seriously? The CFCCC is charging 35 bucks a head for the general public to attend a propaganda-filled meeting regarding TSPLOST? They ought to be ashamed of themselves for this one.
There are projects that GDOT is way behind on, and 400 is one without much associated debate. However, to roll it up in the TSPLOST and hold it hostage as part of the rationale for Forsyth County voters to approve it is beyond belief.
Others above have done very well in citing the reasons to vote "NO", I can only echo their reasoning.
After TSPLOST fails, then let's get together a REAL summit to determine how to deal with 400. I will gladly participate.
R
9:41 am on Thursday, June 7, 2012
It will be interesting to see how they will come up with the first right steps on solving the traffic congestion )n 400 & they should take about GA 20. Speakin from experience as a truck driver a couple of points to make, we have to follow the dot hours of service & the customers we deal with want their freight in a safe & timely manner.
And from time to time, I have read & heard the city/county officials talk about building some roads for an industrial park to attract some industry/warehouses sometime in the future. Time will only tell to see what happens on this proposal.
R
9:44 am on Thursday, June 7, 2012
Also an interesting story on the top 10 fastest growing metro areas in the nation, we rank 7th.
http://www.bizjournals.com/mobile/atlanta/news/2012/05/29/atlanta-the-seventh-fastest-growing.html
frankenstein
10:23 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
I don't understand how tyrants get away with taxing retired people (like myself) on completely unrelated goods (like food), then REDISTRIBUTE that money via bureaucracies for whomever has the biggest political clout (they call it "need") for transportation of other people?!.
I don't need better roads or bus/train services- Neither do all my neighbors.
A MANDATE for me to pay for projects I never need (even if a percentage of TAX paid by my county of Forsyth actually does comes back to Forsyth projects) is not enough reason to TAX anyone in the way.
Liz Kennedy
11:06 pm on Thursday, June 7, 2012
I thank you all for your opinions - but I ask this - how about one of you stepping up to the plate and sharing your thoughts in a blog - based on facts (with attribution) in a professional manner? If you are seriously interested then send me an e-mail with your thoughts to: Liz.kennedy@patch.com - I need your real name, contact info., short bio and yes - photo - the time is now - any takers?
William Evelyn Jr.
7:23 am on Friday, June 8, 2012
Liz - I already did a couple of blogs on this issue.
Margie Spencer
8:15 am on Saturday, June 9, 2012
Can we really trust the GDOT propaganda machine? Will the projects be done in ten years or will we be forced to renew the tax? Shouldn’t GDOT have to earn our trust before we give them an additional eight billion dollars? Some will say it’s better than doing nothing, but I would rather do nothing than give hard earned money to a proven failure.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOI_exUO2-s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfiuVHxJJhY&feature=related