On target, Vol. 4, no. 3 (Summer 1997)

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Georgia Department of Transportation

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Office of Planning

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Summer 1997 Vol. 4 No.3

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So much has happened in our Office since the Spring ::::.:.:::'::::*.:~~:.!!II~J!R,~m : . :

issue was sent out. There simply is not enough

room to tell you all about everything.

So here are

[Editor's Note: This is the first of an ongoing serzes of , articles on air-quality issues,}

some of the highlights.

The Clean Air Campaign (CAC) was organized in 1994

We have some new members. of our team I'd like to introduce to you all. Ulysses Mitchell and Steve Roberts have joined our statewide group. David Crites and Janide Sidifall came aboard our strategic planning branch as well. Linda Wallace is our new computer support engineer. I'd also like to congratulate Carl Spinks: he has been promoted to

in response to a pressing need to educate the public in the Atlanta area about ozone air pollution issues and the effects of ozone. The CAC consists of approximately 40 organizations in the thirteen- county Atlanta ozone non-attainment area. These groups include the Federal Highway Administration, Georgi<;l DOT, Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Atlanta Regional Commission, Georgia Power Company, Centers for Disease Control,

the Assistant Administrator for Strategic and and the Sierra Club, among many others. "It is a col-

Statewide Planning.

lective spirit that has brought the CAC to fruition," commented Lucy Smethurst; a consultant to the CAe.

Keep an eye out for contributions to OnTarget from our new team members. I am sure that they will have a lot to share with you. Let us hear from you about topics you would like to see covered in future newsletters.

The Georgia DOT has been an active participant in the CA(: since its inception three years ago. Toni Dunagan serves on the CAC's executive committee, and we have contributed to the CAC through the use of Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funds.

T.Dunagan (404) 656-5411 dunagan_t@dot.state.ga.us
APPLICATIONS FOR TEA PROJECTS AVAILABLE THIS
SUMMER
Applications for the Transportation EnhanceIllent Activities projects for Fiscal Year 1998 will be available by the end of the SUIllIller. Application inforITIation will autoIllatically be sent to previous sponsors, MPOs, and RDCs.The application will also be available on our website. If you would like to receive application inforIllation, please contact Ms. Katie Mullins at (404) 656-5411 or by eIllail at Illullins_k@dot.state.ga.us.

The CAC recently began an advertising campaign to help inform motorists of the dangers of ozone. Atlanta is currently in non-compliance with EPA standards for ozone. Print, radio, and television ads will help get the word out. Soon we will begiri posting ozone alerts on our changeable message signs on the Interstates. These alerts willwork to inform motorists of excessively high ozone levels.
S. Saha (404) 656-6016 tacey.saha@dot.state.ga.us
Steps you can take to improve air quality: 'Car or van pool. 'Don't speed.
'Keep your car tuned up. Refuel early or late in the day, and don't top off your tank.
Telework when possible. 'Use public transportation.
'Ride a bike or walk.

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:;.::.e.:::~p.:B.tl$,,::::we.iJB.G1A:=::::::: .In this period of continuous change, a vision is a critical .I.;.I. ::::@.IC.;..;.:.:.M.........w. .;ll...;.:.2..;.:;..:.1. ;..,1. I.;:.D.;

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element oflong-tenn planning in any organization. Public

and private organizations need to have a clear picture of I had the pleasureofattending the eighteenth annual

what they want to be and make plans to get there. In Bicycle Ride Across Georgia (BRAG), which was held

the words of Joel Barker, noted visionary and futurist, June 14 through 21. Approximately 2,400 cyclists par-

"Vision without action ismerelyadream. Action with- ticipated.Beginning in LaFayette, the route covered

out vision is passing the time. Vision with action can 410 miles before ending in Albany. -Overnight stops

change the world." And because the world is constantly included the cities of Rome, Carrollton, Newnan,

changing, organizations need to regularly check their vi- Thomaston; Fort Valley, and Americus. The'towns

sion against new realities and adjust plans.

were excited about our visit and went all-out to wel-

In 1994, during the first cycle of strategic planning at come us and provide special entertainment.

the Georgia DOT, the Department developed a mission and detailed statements of visions of our preferred future for Georgia, for safe transportation, and for the Department. As part of strategic planning for Cycle 3, theDepartment's management articulated a concise visionstatement. Our senior mangers consider it important to have employees, customers; stakeholders, and other partners understand not only the Department's reason for existence, but also its direction, in order to makelhe most meaningful contribution.

Again this year, organizers sponsored the BRAG Dream Team allowing 10 disadvantaged, inner-city youths and their adult mentors to ride with us. BRAG '97placed increased emphasis on safety and all participants were required to sign a safety pledge and attend a safety video prior to participating in the ride. .The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, a sponsor of the ride,published daily accounts with human interest stories from some oftheparticipants. Next year's BRAG consists of a loop around the metropolitan Atlanta area to be

held June 20-27, 1998. For furtherinfonnation conFor GDOT, the principal outcomeremains the safe and tact BRAG at (770)921-6166 or e-mail

efficient movement of people and goods. We have set braghq@aol.com

our objectives as a Department and haye identified how

our progress will be measured.. By reporting progress to

S.Hames

our customers, the Department will continue to honor

(404) 657-6692

its commitmentto accountability.

hames_s@dot.state.ga:us

J. Sidifall

(404) 657-6694

janide.sidifall@dot.state.ga.us

GDOT's Vision Georgia's transportation system will always be a vital component ofthe state'sfuture success and



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ability to compete in a global economy.

On May 22-23, 1997, the Georgia Metropolitan

Planning Organizations (MPO) held their spring

Our team ofmotivatedprofessionals and quality driven management will maintain and improve mobility byproviding a safe, seamless, intermodal, environmentally sensitive transportation system.

workshop in Augusta. Participants included representatives from each Georgia MPO and the Chattanooga MPO, public transit providers, the Federal Highway Administration (fHWA), Federal Transit

Through wise use ofhuman andfinancial resources, innovative technology, public/private partnerships and citizen input, we will ensure a balance of transportation options so thatpeople and goods

Administration (FTA), andGDOT. This se!Jli-annual event is intended to provide an opportunity for "attendees to share infonnation on improving the urban transportation planning process.

arrive at their destination in a timely and efficient

manner.

Page 3

On the first day, FHWA and FTA presented an update on the reauthorization ofISTEA. FHWA also separately discussed the issues of corridor preservation and preparation' of an environmental documentation database. The GDOTOffice of Planning gave a status report on the study to update the transportation models. The GDOT Office of Intermodal Programs gave a presentation on recommendations for improving transit planning. A report on the update onroadway functional classification was made by the' GDOT Office of Information Services.
On the second day, Dr. Michael Myers from Georgia Tech reviewed the statewide Intelligent Transportation Systems deployment planning study. Several MPOs madepresentations: the AugustaMPO discussed public involvement in the planning process; the Savannah MPO provided their example of a major investment study; the Atlanta Regional Commission related alternative strategies for improving air quality and mobility; and the Columbus MPO spoke on the reuse of an abandoned rail line.

The Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) for Georgia's eleven urbanized areas are responsible for developing a Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). The LRTP in urbanized areas outlines the strategies, goals and objectives for achieving the MPO's vision of a future transportation system, and lists the multimodal projects to be accomplished in the next 20 years. Federal regulations require that the LRTP be fiscally constrained within reasonably expected funding amounts over the life of the plan.
An MPO who recently adopted a LRTP is the FloydRome Urban Transportation Study. The Floyd-Rome MPO carries out their work through three committees: the Technical Coordinating Committee, the Citizens Advisory Committee, and the Policy Committee, who is ultimately charged with adopting the LRTP. The Plan development process involved active participation from all of the MPO committees and the public.

T. McQueen (404) 657-6691 mcqueen_t@dot.state.ga.us

-The Floyd-Rome MPO assigned a technical subcommittee to evaluate projects using a computer model of the area's transportation system. The MPO committees worked to establish the goals of the plan and to

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,identify the most pressing transportation needs ill the
J area. The MPO identified more projects than could be

Phase II of the Appalachian Scenic Corridor Study built within their financially constrained 20-year budget.

(ASCS) is now complete. Three corridors have been recommended for further evaluation in the third and final phase ofthe study. The ASCS is to determine the need for and feasibility of an east-west transportation corridor across north Georgia. There were many areas of study during Phase II, including a needs assessment, traffic studies, environmental/cultural resource studies and socioeconomic studies. The report covering the Phase II activities has been finalized. A copy of the executive summary ofthis report is available from the Study Information Hotline at (800) 405-7362. A

To help prioritize projects for selection in the LRTP, the Floyd-Rome MPO held a transportation fair. The fair provided information on all projects being considered for the 20-year multimodal plan, and gave the public a chance to draw or write their vision for the future of transportation in Floyd County. Equipped with the public comments from the Transportation Fair, the committees began the challenging process of selecting projects for a financially constrained Long Range Transportation Plan.

monthly newsletter may also be obtained from the same number. Your questions and comments are always welcome. Phase III is now underway, and should be complete in early 1998.
J. Harvey (404) 657-6693 harveyj @dot.state.ga.us

Adopting a financially constrained LRTP is difficult when the regional transportation needs exceed the available funding. However, extensive public involvement efforts and efficient committee coordination streamline the process and result in a sound vision for the future.
M. Bryson-Pirkle (404) 657-6699
meg.pirkle@dot.state.ga.us

Page 4

OnTarget is a quarterly publication ofthe Georgia Department ofTransportation Office ofPlanning No.2 Capitol Square, NW Atlanta, Georgia 30334 (404) 656-5411 Visit our recently updated web site at:
http://wwYv.dot.state.ga.uslhomeoffs/ planning.www/planning/planhome.htm ..

TEA Contracts Executed This Quarter

County Camden Cherokee Coffee
Crisp Hancock Troup Ware

Description
City of Kingsland Streetscape
Woodstock: Historic Depot Rehabilitation
Douglas: Rehabilitation of Norfolk Southern Depot and Ashley-Slater House
Cordele: Streetscape (sidewalks) in the Historic District
Shoulderbone Indian Mound
Fort Valley: Restore Troutrnan- Chappell House
Restore Depot in Waycross

Georgia Department ofTransportation Office ofPlanning .No. 2 Capitol Square, NW Atlanta, Georgia 30334

Georgia Documents Depository Collection Government Documents Department University of Georgia Libraries Athens, Georgia 30602-1645