Fayette Countians are watching closely as the Metro Atlanta Transportation Initiative starts tackling the region's traffic congestion problems.

Last week, MATI identified six separate goals to remove obstacles to try and solve the traffic problem.

The action took place during MATI's monthly meeting at the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. MATI members are focusing on transportation and congestion issues and their impact on the Atlanta region's quality of life and its sustained regional economic viability.

"Our members recognize that the Atlanta region needs an effective, balanced transportation system if we are to keep growing without sacrificing our quality of life," said Pete Correll, chairman of Georgia Pacific. "In business, problem-solving begins by setting goals. Today's meeting began the debate on setting and prioritizing easily understandable goals for our community that can reduce traffic congestion while sustaining job growth."

During the meeting, members reviewed the growth and congestion practices by nine cities, including Phoenix, Denver, Seattle and San Jose.

Based upon the other cities' approach, the group identified six goals:

· Clear transportation and congestion targets to drive public discussion and planning process.

· Regional planning that combines the best of top-down and bottom-up approaches.

· Adequate and flexible funding for transportation infrastructure.

· Align authority and accountability for regional planning and implementation.

· A highly informed community that understands issues and is motivated to take individual steps for the common good.

· A business community that takes initiative as a role model and shaper of policy.