By PATRICK STAFFORD

County commissioners in Fulton County and DeKalb County voted late last year to deny the extension of funding for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) well into the second quarter of the 21st Century.

It is my belief that maybe their "shared and stated principle" of denying this rapid transit contract and assistance agreement pertaining to future rail expansion alternatives and studies prior to transit funding mechanisms being "spread" among additional political boundaries may have future validity.

But to take this approach without further detailed examination and reassessment of the consequences demonstrates a somewhat lack of concern for the future transportation needs of metro Atlanta.

The primary issue is the extension of the current contract, which provides federal matching assistance, from 2032 to 2047 not the funding formula for the system.

It also should be noted that the city of Atlanta chose not to take any action on this matter last year. In addition, it should be stated that some current elected officials in Fulton County and DeKalb County were not participants in the votes last year on this issue.

Regardless, each of these political jurisdictions should know that we are still in gridlock throughout metro Atlanta. Building additional roads will not solve this problem.

Metro Atlanta needs more rail service. Metro Atlanta needs more rail service as soon as possible. The future prospects for transportation will not improve because of these "NO" votes. The "status quo" will eventually lead to a reduction in the quality of service.

In essence, nothing let me repeat, nothing will be built in the metro Atlanta area pertaining to future rail service unless this issue is reconsidered or, in the case of the city of Atlanta, considered and ultimately approved.

While I would agree that the current funding formula for MARTA is inadequate for a transportation system that has evolved into an entity with such a vital regional and statewide impact, MARTA did not create the funding formula. Those are the rules as they exist today regarding the funding of the system.

However, to refuse to vote because of "disagreement" with the current funding formula is somewhat like refusing to pay social security taxes because of one's dislike or lack of long-term concern for the system or funding formula. Rather, the more proactive approach would be to work diligently to change the formula or participating political jurisdictions in the funding for the system.

What do these "NO" votes demonstrate? Many things, but primarily these three:

1) The lack of concern for the future creditworthiness and favorable bond capacity of MARTA;

2) Lack of consensus on how metro Atlanta plans to handle our future transportation needs. This particularly hampers our congressional delegation as they attempt to convince the Bush Administration and their own colleagues of the need for future intergovernmental funding of this vital transit system;

And 3), the residents and travelers driving on metro Atlanta roadways longing for the opportunity to one day get on a train to take them where they want to be, when they want to be there, but will not have that opportunity.

What would I suggest? Please allow me to respectfully offer the following suggestions.

First, Fulton County and DeKalb County commissioners should be encouraged to reconsider as soon as possible the rapid transit contract and assistance agreement. The consequences and benefits, along with their concerns, should be fully aired with a "spirit of compromise" in their hearts.

Second, the current councilpersons of the city of Atlanta should take a vote on the issue as soon as possible.

Third, the Georgia General Assembly should adopt legislation in 2002 that requires any political jurisdiction that has a voting member on the MARTA Board of Directors assist in the annual funding of MARTA by the year 2006.

Lastly, the Georgia General Assembly should adopt legislation in 2002 that calls for a constitutional amendment, to be voted on as soon as possible, that calls for the state of Georgia to provide a described funding assistance for MARTA, derived from a portion of the state gasoline or cigarette tax. The amendment, if passed, should be effective by 2006.

Leadership can help us all out of our transportation gridlock. The counties, cities and state governments can start today by taking the lead in this important endeavor by agreeing to keep the transit system we have today moving in a positive direction.

[Patrick Stafford heads the Fulton Industrial Business Association.]

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