Georgia Lawmakers Look To Block Rail Line

Posted by: Nate Berg

11 February 2007 - 11:00am

In an effort to stop the creation of a 26-mile commuter rail line connecting Atlanta to numerous suburbs, Georgia lawmakers are hoping to pass a bill requiring voters in each city and county along the proposed line to individually approve funding.

"Two state representatives from the Southern Crescent have put together a 'taxpayer protection bill' they hope will kill the proposed 26-mile Atlanta-to-Lovejoy commuter rail."

"Henry County Rep. Steve Davis (R-McDonough), has authored House Bill 269, which would require each county and city affected by the commuter line to pass a referendum saying it wants the rail line and would help pay for it."

"If a city or county didn’t pass a special-election referendum supporting the rail line, the commuter train wouldn’t stop in that city or county."

"Davis said the rail supporters are trying to push through a project that would cost everyone, while only benefiting the small percentage of people who would use the train line. "

Full Story: Those who want rail must pay, lawmakers urge

Source: Henry Daily Herald, February 2, 2007