FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, November 18, 2005

Isakson, Chambliss Announce Transportation Funds for Georgia 

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.) and Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) today praised final congressional approval of the fiscal year 2006 Transportation, Treasury, Judiciary, Housing and Urban Development, and D.C. Appropriations Act, which includes important funds for Georgia transportation projects. 

 “These funds will help improve Georgia’s transportation system, ensuring that we are able to continue to attract industry, create jobs and remain a thriving economic center,” said Isakson, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, which has jurisdiction over the nation’s highway infrastructure.

“These important transportation funds will help Georgia make many key improvements to our transportation needs in every corner of our state,” said Chambliss.  “This funding will enhance the quality of life for our citizens and boost job creation and economic development.”

Among the Georgia transportation projects included in the bill are:

• $1 million for transit and transportation in the Clifton corridor in Atlanta;
• $200,000 for conversion of I-20 and Carey Station in Greene County;
• $3 million for rail facilities and corridor in Hapeville;
• $1 million for Highway 133 from Valdosta to Moultrie;
• $1 million for the Atlanta Beltline;
• $500,000 for buses and bus facilities in Georgia;
• $500,000 for buses and bus facilities for the Chatham Area Transit Authority;
• $500,000 for acquisition of buses for MARTA;
• $500,000 for the intermodal facility in Moultrie;
• $500,000 to purchase buses for the Macon Transit Authority;
• $375,000 for an automated Smart-Card fare collection system for MARTA; and
• $2.6 million for MARTA clean fuel buses.

The bill also includes funds for the following airports:

• $1 million for Lee Gilmer Airport in Gainesville;
• $400,000 for instrument landing equipment at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport ;
• $2.5 million for a terminal development program at Augusta Regional Airport;
• $1.1 million for runway and taxi extension at Greene County Regional Airport; and
• $750,000 for runway extension at Southwest Georgia Regional Airport.

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