Official Newsletter of the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce
THE CHAMBER CORNER
Volume 12, Issue 7
July 2012
Vote YES on July 31 for TSPLOST! On July 31, voters will have the opportunity to make a positive difference for transportation in Georgia by voting yes for transportation. What is the 2012 TSPLOST? The 2012 TSPLOST is an opportunity for all Georgians to take control of their future by choosing to make significant investments in transportation projects that are vital both to the economy and quality of life throughout the state. The vote for this one percent regional sales tax will take place in each of Georgia’s 12 regional commission districts this July. Mark your calendars and save the date! The Taste of Eatonton will be Monday, Oct. 1, 2012. The Chamber is starting to create our promotional materials for our largest event of the year! If you would like to sponsor the Taste of Eatonton, the sooner you sign up, the more exposure your business will receive! There are three levels to choose from: Platinum ($500), Gold ($300) and Silver ($200). Each level includes various benefits. Sponsors signed up so far include: (Platinum) Farmers & Merchants Bank, Putnam General Hospital, Dock 103.9 WDDK-FM, The Peoples Bank, Putnam County Charter School System, Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee, WMGZ 97.7 FM and Smith Communications, and (Gold) Georgia Power Company. To sponsor the Taste, email bonnie@eatonton.com.
What exactly will the TSPLOST pay for? Local officials in each region have developed a list of transportation projects that can be funded by the additional revenue generated — and only projects on this approved list will be funded. Projects include roads, bridges, transit, freight and passenger rail, ports, airports, and bicycle and pedestrian facilities as determined by each region. Regions where voters do not approve the transportation tax will not receive the additional funds to pay for proposed projects in their area of the state. Who decided the list of transportation projects? Regional roundtables made up of county commission chairs and mayors were formed in each of Georgia’s regional commission districts. Each group worked with the public and the Georgia Department of Transportation to create a list of transportation projects for their region. Those projects have been vetted both by GDOT and voters through public hearings. Lists were finalized on Oct. 15. Who will benefit from the 2012 TSPLOST? All Georgians could benefit from the TSPLOST referendum — one of the most important economic development opportunities in our state’s history. If passed in all regions, it would pump up to $19 billion in direct investment into the state’s economy over the next 10 years while connecting communities, reducing congestion and improving road safety. In addition, the Federal Highway Administration estimates that
every $1 billion spent on roads and bridges supports 28,000 jobs and generates up to $2.5 billion in direct and indirect economic activity. How will the money be used? All funds generated through the 2012 TSPLOST would stay in the region in which they were raised and be distributed in two ways: •75 percent would go to the regional projects on the approved list — many of which have been on the drawing boards for years but lacked the funding to go forward. •25 percent would be returned to the region to be used for local projects chosen by city and county officials. Cities and counties will receive these extra funds in direct proportion to their population and the number of road miles in their jurisdiction. Who will oversee these projects? A citizens’ accountability committee in each region will ensure projects are completed on time and on budget. How long will the one percent increase be in place? If passed by a region’s voters, the TSPLOST will be in effect for 10 years or until the funds are collected, whichever comes first. It cannot be collected beyond this 10-year period unless the voters in the region approve an extension. Why should voters say “yes” to the 2012 TSPLOST? Despite our fast-growing population, Georgia spends less per capita on transportation than almost any other state. This is beginning to make our state less attractive to employers and negatively impact our quality of life. Across the state, bridges are falling apart, roads are unpaved and in disrepair, and truck traffic clogs community streets. The states we compete with for new jobs have taken transportation seriously, investing in it while Georgia has stalled. Buttons and yard signs are available at the Chamber. Visit www.connectgeorgia2012.com for more details.
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