New ARC Transportation Plans Will Achieve Air Quality Standards

As part of an update of long-range and short-range transportation plans, the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) has completed its tailpipe emissions analysis demonstrating that these plans not only meet federal air quality standards, but also will continuously improve the region's air quality during the next 20 years.

"Improving air quality and congestion in the Atlanta region is a top concern," said ARC Director Charles Krautler. "We are pleased, that with the support of the Governor and our planning partners, our plans help improve both."

To incorporate the Governor's Transportation Choices Initiative, ARC is updating its long-range Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) and developing the draft FY 2003 - 2005 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) to account for the acceleration of several projects. The technical analysis to determine whether the region can comply with federal air quality standards is required in the process.

In addition to improving air quality over the long haul, the draft short-range $5.3 billion TIP offers several rapid improvements to the region's mobility. The TIP includes funding for 562 projects, with the majority (57 percent) of the $5.3 billion investment over the next three years going to transit and HOV lanes. Some achievements of the draft TIP include:

47 miles of additional passenger rail

703 new daily express bus trips between suburban areas and major

activity centers

142 miles of new HOV lanes

385 miles of new or upgraded bicycle and pedestrian facilities

240 miles of new or widened roadway facilities

$73 million for Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) planning studies

and implementation of existing LCI studies.

ARC will officially release the draft TIP for public comment at its August 28 Board Several meetings are scheduled throughout the region in September, with Board adoption in October. Attached is the public hearing schedule.

The Atlanta Regional Commission is the official planning agency for the 10-county Atlanta Region, including Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale counties as well as the City of Atlanta and 62 other cities. It is a forum where leaders come together to discuss and act on issues of regionwide consequence.