Top Stories Atlanta

A big Georgia transportation project was completed Thursday. The
14th Street Bridge in midtown Atlanta was reopened. The fate of
future transportation projects could hinge on behind-the-scenes
talks at the state capitol.

Competing proposals for a sales tax increase to pay for
transportation improvements has stalled at the capitol. Momentum
has been building to break the logjam and put the final decision in
the hands of voters.

A ribbon was cut and champagne was poured Thursday as the city’s
14th Street Bridge reopened. Among those celebrating was Executive
Chef Jamie Adams of Atlanta’s Vini Vidi Vici. The bridge reopened
ahead of schedule after a year of construction work.

In the midst of the toasting, the Georgia Department of
Transportation is facing a cash crunch for future projects.

State legislative leaders have been quietly meeting to hammer
out the terms of an agreement that could lead to voter referendums
on sales tax increases to pay for transportation improvements.

State senate leader Tommie Williams is heavily involved in the
transportation talks. The state house and senate have been divided
on two plans. One plan would allow a statewide referendum on a
sales tax increase for transportation the other would allow
counties to hold separate sales tax votes.

In a statement a spokesman for the house leadership said,
“Conversations between the house and senate are ongoing to find a
transportation funding solution that will address the state’s
needs.”

Legislative approval would be needed in the next General
Assembly session in order for voters to make a decision on
transportation funding in the 2010 general election.

The pressure will be on for the Republican controlled
legislature to show results on transportation funding before next
year’s election.

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