ATLANTA — Gov. Sonny Perdue announced specifics for a seven-city public input "listening tour" in conjunction with the Investing in Tomorrow's Transportation Today (IT3) initiative to transform Georgia's transportation system.
During the week of Sept. 22, top state transportation officials will meet with the public in Macon, Savannah, Dalton, Atlanta, Valdosta, Columbus and Augusta to gather input on what Georgians want in terms of future transportation infrastructure and how they think it should be financed.
"It is my hope that through IT3 we will transform the way Georgia deals with our transportation challenges," Perdue said. "This listening tour will allow Georgians to give us their input as we crystallize the goals that will ultimately become the final IT3 proposal."
IT3 is a collaborative effort begun by the Georgia's elected leadership and the State Transportation Board in which the state's transportation agencies are working with the transportation committees of the General Assembly, stakeholder groups and the general public to develop a business case for transportation investment. The business case will include the definition of strategic goals and policies, benchmarking with other states' transportation successes and an examination of ways to financially achieve outcomes.
Georgia Transportation Commissioner Gena Evans and Georgia Regional Transportation Authority Executive Director Dick Anderson will conduct the listening tour, joined by members of the State Transportation Board, legislators and local elected officials.
"The time has come for serious discussions and serious decisions on the 21st Century transportation needs of Georgia," Evans said.