Friday, April 5, 2002
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Friday, April 5, 2002 |
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South Fulton loses big bucks as county rejects GRTA offer
In a stunning vote Wednesday, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners voted 4 to 3 to defeat a resolution that would have funded five major road improvement projects in North and South Fulton County. "I am absolutely stunned that they did not take advantage of this offer from GRTA. $31.2 million for a one time payment of $2.45 million to me was simply a no brainer," said Chairman Kenn. "All of the citizens of Fulton County - North and South - were the biggest losers today." Chairman Kenn (Fulton County's representative on the ARC Board), Commissioner Fulton, and Commissioner Tom Lowe voted for the measure. Commissioner Bill Edwards (who represents District 7 where two of the projects were located), was joined by Commissioners Darnell, Karen Elaine Webster, and Nancy Boxill in defeating the measure. The agreement would have funded road improvements at McGinnis Ferry Road, Haynes Bridge Road, South Fulton Parkway, Fayetteville Road, and Glenridge Drive. The criteria for selecting these projects was based on need, state support, and the expediency of the completion of the projects. The projects had been championed by community leaders and elected officials for years. Several community and business leaders from throughout the county spoke in support of the agreement during the public comment portion of the board meeting. There were no voices of opposition. There were two major points to the proposed agreement: Fulton County would have been required to pay $2.45 million in 2003 for the operation of an express bus service. Service would have operated through 2006, and is a closed contract. As part of the GRTA arterials program, Fulton County would have received $31.2 million to cover five roadway projects in north and south Fulton County.
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