Approve a resolution authorizing the Mayor's Office to enter into a contractual \n \n agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation to accept State L230 \n \n Transportation funds to develop a feasibility study for the rapid rail \n \n transportation between Columbus and Atlanta.
Approval
Pending
Background
The Mayor's Office has established a 32 member Commission on Passenger Rail,
for the purposes of determining the need for passenger/rapid rail
transportation between Columbus and Atlanta. Through its efforts the
commission has reviewed the Georgia Rail Plan and the Federal Rail Plan to
establish a baseline for discussions. In addition, presentations via the
internet have been given by Mayor Anthony Foxx and former Mayor Pat McCrory of
Charlotte, North Carolina, which is undergoing an extensive passenger rail
program of its own. It is because of this work that the commission now
believes it is time to develop its own passenger rail feasibility study.
Analysis
The study, aided by the expertise of the Georgia Department of Transportation,
would help determine the potential for rail travel between Columbus and
Atlanta, and possibly other communities as well. A study of this type would
not only identify possible routes, but would also examine potential ridership
and costs for such a project.
Financial Considerations
Cost for the study will be funded through the use of State L230 transportation
funds ($290,000), which requires a 20 percent match ($70,000). The match has
been secured through the generous donations from the Columbus Airport
Commission, the Development Authority of Columbus, Georgia, Total System, Inc.
and the W. C. Bradley Company. To date, $70,000 has been raised to meet the
required match and other feasibility study related expenses. No local funds
will be required for this study.
Projected Annual Fiscal Impact Statement
There is no annual fiscal impact for this study.
Legal Considerations
The City Attorney has approved this action.
Recommendations/ Actions
Approve a resolution authorizing the Mayor's Office to enter into a contractual
agreement with the Georgia Department of Transportation to accept State L230
Transportation funds to develop a feasibility study for the rapid rail