House Information Office Room 505, Legislative Office Building Atlanta, Georgia 30334 404-656-5082 1-800-282-5800 For Immediate Release 1-1940-5094 January 23, 2004 BARNES NAMED TO RAIL PANEL PROVIDING MORE TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS TOP PRIORITY Atlanta - State Representative Mike Barnes, D-Hampton, has been named to the Georgia Rail Passenger Authority Overview Committee by House Speaker Terry Coleman, DEastman. "We want to develop rail transportation lines throughout Georgia for three reasons," said Rep. Barnes. "First and foremost we need to start giving people more options so they do not have to rely on their cars. Second, we want to improve access to and from the city so people in rural areas can visit the city and people in the city can visit their families in outlying areas. And third we need to stimulate economic growth throughout Georgia, especially in less developed areas." "A passenger rail network in Georgia is very important for addressing our future transportation needs in rural and urban areas. I look forward to working with other committee members ensuring this issue moves forward in the best possible way," Barnes said. The panel oversees efforts to develop and expand rail passenger service in Georgia and makes recommendations to the General Assembly on necessary legislation. ### For further information please contact Rep. Barnes at 404/656-0287.