‘Beltline bill’ advances closer to final passage (Atlanta: 2013, house)

[Airforceguy]

This bill would be a huge boost to the Beltline.....

The bill would permit public-private partnerships to help build out the Beltline’s planned 22-mile loop of parks, trails and transit. City leaders have been eyeing so-called “P3s” as a way to finance the most expensive portion of the project, a future light-rail system that, according to 2013 estimates, could cost about $2.3 billion and would connect with the existing Atlanta Streetcar

'Beltline' bill moves closer to final passage | www.ajc.com

[jsvh]

Yes please!

Edit: But disappointing to see it was sent back to the Senate with changes. An inability to reconcile between the house and senate is what killed this bill last year.

[tikigod311]

This is the key to Beltline transit being a reality. They have been working diligently on planning the routes and the Environmental Assesment is being composed as we speak. They have been planning for transit as if it is going to happen. The question always was...funding.

I brought up P3s to one of the ladies at one of the meetings about 6+ months ago and she acted as if it wasn't likely. She stated that funding via the FTA / feds was what they were counting on. I hate the idea of solely relying on the feds. If historical trends in politcs play out, we can be certain that no funding for transit will be coming down the pike. There certainly won't be any funding from the state and it seems unlikely the city will pass another tax.

If P3s are permitted for the Beltline, we will probably see transit a lot sooner than people expect.

[robertjhajek]

This must past for us to see transit on the beltline in our lifetime, and I'm in my twenties.

[atltechdude]

Hope the Senate can get to it soon, not much time left.