Georgia Rail Passenger Program (Georgia Rail) Athens-Atlanta/Macon-Atlanta Corridor Studies SUMMARY OF INITIAL SCOPING MEETINGS May - June 2000 The first round of public meetings for the Georgia Rail Program was held during the month of May and the first day of June in nine locations. Four meetings were conducted in the Athens - Atlanta corridor, four in the Macon - Atlanta corridor and one for the Multi-Modal Passenger Terminal (MMPT) in downtown Atlanta. Dates, locations and number of attendees were as follows: Athens-Atlanta Corridor Macon-Atlanta Corridor May 9-Winder-17 attendees May 22-Jonesboro-24 attendees May 10-Athens-19 attendees May 23-Macon-50 attendees May 17-Lawrenceville-21 attendees May 24-Griffin-57 attendees May 31-Decatur-9 attendees May 25-Forsyth-66 attendees MMPT-June 1-Downtown Atlanta-19 attendees The purpose of the scoping meetings was to present the status of the Program, describe the alternatives analysis process and solicit suggestions for alternatives from the public. The format for each meeting was the same with the first half hour dedicated to viewing the corridor study area maps. The second half hour was devoted to formal presentations, including: 1) an overview of the Georgia Rail organization structure; 2) purpose and need for the proposed improvements; 3) previous studies in the corridor; 4) description of the alternatives analysis process; and 5) description of the public involvement process. The remaining hour was dedicated to receiving public comments. In addition to comments received at each meeting, the public was given the opportunity to communicate by mail, e-mail, fax and telephone. Several comments have been received utilizing all of the communication options. A summary of each of the nine meetings has been prepared and include comments and questions expressed by the public both during the meetings and the weeks immediately following. Georgia Rail Passenger Program Athens-Atlanta Corridor Study Public Scoping Meeting Summary May 9, 2000 - Winder, GA Location:        Winder-Barrow High School Attendees:        17 Jack Martin, Presiding Officer and member of the Georgia Rail Passenger Authority Board (GRPA), welcomed all attendees, gave a brief overview of the Georgia Rail Passenger Program and described the purpose of the meeting. Arthur Vaughn, also of GRPA, gave a presentation on the need and purpose of the program. Bill McCombs, Project Manager for the Athens – Atlanta Corridor Study, presented an overview of the previous studies conducted in the corridor. Larry Saben, Project Task Manager, presented the alternatives analysis process including project scheduling. Inga Kennedy, Public Participation Coordinator, explained the program's public participation process and how the public can stay involved through various communication methods. The formal presentation was concluded and attendees provided comments at station locations set up throughout the room. The following comments and questions have been received to date: Comments Received at Meeting CSX seems to be a very busy railroad. Expect them not to be very cooperative. Build it down Highway 316. Transportation problems already exist because of freight trains in downtown Winder. Deal carefully with questions regarding access at stations - continuity. Questions Received at Meeting Why was Winder bypass not addressed in the presentation? Comments/Questions Received by E-mail Comments/Questions Received by Fax Comments/Questions Received by Mail Does Gov. Barnes support funding a regional transportation project with Georgia taxpayer dollars? Should existing CSX right-of- way be used, consideration should be given to a second overpass/ underpass for the City of Winder. Georgia Rail Passenger Program Athens-Atlanta Corridor Study Public Scoping Meeting Summary May 10, 2000 - Athens, GA Location:        Clarke Middle School Attendees:        19 The meeting was opened by E.H. Culpepper, Presiding Officer and member of the Georgia Rail Passenger Authority Board (GRPA), who welcomed all attendees, gave a brief overview of the Georgia Rail Passenger Program and described the purpose of the meeting. Arthur Vaughn, also of GRPA, gave a presentation on the need and purpose of the program. Bill McCombs, Project Manager for the Athens - Atlanta Corridor Study, presented an overview of the previous studies conducted for the corridor. Larry Saben, Project Task Manager, presented the alternatives analysis process including project scheduling. Inga Kennedy, Public Participation Coordinator, explained the program's public participation process and how the public can stay involved through various communication methods. The formal presentation was concluded and attendees provided comments at station locations set up throughout the room. The following comments and questions have been received to date: Comments Received at Meeting Capital cost of start-up buses vs. rail. Consider local land use and transportation plans in your rail planning process; also around the station. No changing of trains to get to Hartsfield. Make Five Points only one stop. Like Zurich, Switzerland - see website. Planes have been missed changing trains and delays on MARTA. Look at station locations that would accommodate alternative transportation i.e. links to state bicycle routes. Use the 316 Corridor - for rail routes rather than CSX corridor. The ecological impact, costs, etc., have already been determined for proposed transportation plan. People are waiting for more concrete proposals on route selection. If people had to drive to 316, they'd just get on the highway - no incentive to get out of car. This might help people use only one car - like in Washington, D.C. It has to be dependable. Bus alternative: multi-modal station in Athens with rail connection. Transit system must "insist" on strong land use plan that supports "smart growth" - need strong government backing. Two traffic generators: 1) Sanford Stadium - proposed destination site (aux. track), 2) Connect station platform directly to Athens Civic Center. Give rail a chance! Also, double-track entire route between Atlanta and Athens; don't stop at Five Points - go straight to Hartsfield. I urge you to aggressively seek NHS and STP flexible funds. I urge you to build rail first before putting 1 cent into 316. Also buses, sidewalks and bike lanes are crucial at every stop. Questions Received at Meeting Buses vs. Rail on 316 Corridor (will buses detract from ridership?). Gwinnett has created their own transportation monster - it is spreading this way. Fencing - How much of the line will have to be fenced? Restrictions are required. How much is it going to cost not to build this rail? Parking fees, congestion - the frustration costs, parking construction costs, etc. If the state made a funding commitment to this project, would CSX be more willing to join? If you can’t use CSX line, would you follow Highway 316? Why is Gwinnett fighting MARTA? Are CSX liability issues of grade crossings being addressed? Comments/Questions Received by E-mail I learned a lot at the meeting. Because at best, Georgia Rail evidently intends to offer a few trains a day, I wonder if you have considered supplementary bus service from Athens to the nearest MARTA station in Atlanta. A local firm has started doing this. Frequent service, at least hourly, including late night buses, would cut down on private car travel. If the local firm’s service is frequent enough, this will be my preferred route to the Atlanta airport, bus about 55 minutes to Doraville, then MARTA straight in the airport. No coping with heavy traffic to Hartsfield, no parking, no coping with the Athens airport shuttle, which is hard to use, because it doesn’t run often enough, and it’s easy to miss the last trip home at night if a flight is late. Comments/Questions Received by FAX Comments/Questions Received by Mail Georgia Rail Passenger Program Athens-Atlanta Corridor Study Public Scoping Meeting Summary May 17, 2000 - Lawrenceville, GA Location:        Gwinnett County Justice and Administrative Center Attendees:        21 Presiding Officer Crew Heimer, of the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA) who welcomed all attendees, gave a brief overview of the Georgia Rail Passenger Program and described the purpose of the meeting. Hal Wilson of the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) gave a presentation on the need and purpose of the program. Bill McCombs, Project Manager for the Athens - Atlanta Corridor Study, presented an overview of the previous studies conducted for the corridor. Larry Saben, Project Task Manager, presented the alternatives analysis process including project scheduling. Inga Kennedy, Public Participation Coordinator, explained the program’s public participation process and how the public can stay involved through various communication methods. The formal presentation was concluded and attendees provided comments at station locations set up throughout the room. The following comments and questions have been received to date: Comments Received at Meeting Show the public the costs and benefits for rail. Downtown Atlanta, split destination – Downtown and North Perimeter. Railroad not competitive if doesn’t go to sites people want to go to. Gas tax question: Increase taxes would reduce auto trips. State portion of Gas Tax used for rail. RDC's mechanism already available to do true regional planning. Station in Dacula near Freeman's Mill Road – good spot but access is a concern - only one light. Please consider placing a station in Dacula and Duluth. Include parking deck. Rail to Emory close enough to campus so students can live at home. Same for UGA. Station at Killian Hill near Granite Quarry with pedestrian walkway to Lilburn Park, City Hall, and Old Town Lilburn - allow 2 access routes to the station (one from the park, and another from Killian Hill). Concern: Study is low on projected ridership. Auto on flatcar transport at quick on/off at ends of line. Low speed Mag-Lev on Interstate 85. The Inman Park Beltline should be used because of freight railroad congestion between Howell Tower and Spring - Lawrenceville area resident. The Inman Park Beltline should not be used because of the impact on Emory and Druid Hills neighborhoods. A route by the old Emory station would better serve the area. The adverse impact of using Inman Park Beltline might be acceptable if the line is not double tracked - Emory area resident. Station type and location should very much be a local community choice. Different communities have different needs and visions. Three Gwinnett County residents. Collector bus service is important for service to truly be an alternative mode of transportation. Two Gwinnett County residents. Commuter rail will improve land development opportunities in western Gwinnett County. Development is being limited by State Route 316 and Interstate 85's capacity constraints. Requests were made to have smaller public meetings for each community. Requested study of route that goes through Emory and then back down to Atlanta rather than Emory through DeKalb Avenue area. Does not want double track, has concerns. I would like to be on your mailing lists for any published information on the corridor study. If you have any maps available, I would be glad to pay for those maps. As you become more selective on you locations. I would like to be notified of those choices. Thank you for a well-planned public hearing. Still lots of questions - will it work; will people use it. There are a lot of long freight trains - will a light rail car be safe - unfair fight. I am very interested in protecting the environment. Traffic is terrible - we have to do something. Served on the Conservancy Study Group. Good Presentation! Questions Received at Meeting Time concerns – will it take as long to drive? Where is the MMPT in Atlanta? Can we get to the airport from Athens on this system? What high-speed rail line is being planned? CSX - are they cooperative? How many trains per day do they move on this corridor? Is there enough land available to parallel CSX? What kinds of trains (commuter) would run? What percentage of state/federal funding is required? Costs of upgrading freight rails vs. paralleling? What are we using to prompt CSX to cooperate? How many sidings will be required? Minimum percentage of grade for rail? Will this make Highway 316 a difficult corridor to parallel with rail? What about MAGLEV? Grades/alignment Who will have condemnation rights? How much acreage will be used? Plan is to use existing right-of-way, how are negotiations proceeding? What is potential ridership? Comments/Questions Received by E-mail I am a Realtor selling new homes in Barimore subdivision of Harbins Road. I am looking for the proposed location of the station in the Dacula area as well as available parking space numbers, etc. Can you provide any answers? I have a retail shop near the proposed depot location in Old Town Lilburn. If you have a display of the proposed commuter rail line I would be willing to have it available for public viewing in the building. You may want to send updated information to the Lilburn Business Association, P.O. Box 1537, Lilburn, GA 30048. Comments/Questions Received by Mail Georgia Rail Passenger Program Macon -Atlanta Corridor Study Public Scoping Meeting Summary May 22, 2000 - Jonesboro, GA Location:        Clayton County Administration Building Attendees:        24 The meeting was opened by Carl Rhodenizer, Presiding Officer and Board member of the Georgia Rail Passenger Authority (GRPA), who welcomed all attendees, gave a brief overview of the Georgia Rail Passenger Program and described the purpose of the meeting. Paul Mullins of the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) gave a presentation on the need and purpose of the program. Spooner Phillips, Project Manager for the Macon - Atlanta Corridor Study, presented an overview of the previous studies conducted for the corridor. Larry Saben, Project Task Manager, presented the alternatives analysis process including project scheduling. Inga Kennedy, Public Participation Coordinator, explained the program’s public participation process and how the public can stay involved through various communication methods. The formal presentation was concluded and attendees provided comments at station locations set up throughout the room. The following comments and questions have been received to date: Comments Received at Meeting Include Metro South Commuter Rail Coalition in Stakeholder list. Prepare for future growth and shape future growth. Southern Crescent Transportation Services Center provides alternatives to Hartsfield workers and passengers. Will increase and change tourism for the state. 3,000 trips/day to National Archives Area near Clayton State College and University will have significant development. High density development has been proposed/zoned in Morrow. In favor of the South Line: less freight trains on South Line, better connection to the airport (HAIA). Residential areas are concentrated more heavily along S-Line. In favor of S-Line over H-Line. July 23-28, Urban Land Institute will hold panel study of Interport Development Corridor, running from New International Terminal to Gateway Village! This project will connect this corridor to Southern Georgia through Macon and connect to the Amtrak National Passenger System! How does the Atlanta-Macon line affect the development of Gateway Village at Clayton State College and University in Morrow? The plans for this development and the proposed station must be carefully coordinated. A $28M bond has been issued for the Gateway Village, to include State and National Archives. As you may know, Morrow was included in the Atlanta Regional Commissions’ first round of the Livable Center's Initiative awards for smart growth studies. The focus of the application we submitted for our study is a Morrow Rail Station Plan within the Gateway Village Project, which is adjacent to Clayton College and State University. It is our goal to present to the ARC a completed study and implementation plan for the Morrow Rail and Activity Center. Questions Received at Meeting Mini-continental divide-no rivers? Comments/Questions Received by E-mail Just had a chance to review handouts from the Jonesboro hearing. My suggestion is that you add the following to you List of Abbreviations at the end of the Georgia Rail Passenger Program Fact Sheet: SCTSC - Southern Crescent Transportation Services Center (HAIA). Note: This Service Center is included in the ARC's Regional Transportation Plan and is a key element for both the high-speed rail, commuter rail, and Maglev rail project. Comments/Questions Received by Fax Comments/Questions Received by Mail I am contacting you in regards to the proposed Atlanta-Macon commuter rail service. I was unable to attend the May 22 meeting in Jonesboro but I am definitely in favor of the rail service. In one month I put over 3,000 miles on my car because I live in Clayton County and work in Macon. The rail service from Atlanta to Macon can not happen soon enough! I am very interested in the proposed time schedule and monthly fees. I have your website address and plan to stay informed on the progress. Georgia Rail Passenger Program Macon -Atlanta Corridor Study Public Scoping Meeting Summary May 23, 2000 - Macon, GA Location:        City of Macon - City Hall Attendees:        50 The meeting was opened by Arthur Vaughn, Presiding Officer and Board member of the Georgia Rail Passenger Authority (GRPA), who welcomed all attendees, gave a brief overview of the Georgia Rail Passenger Program and described the purpose of the meeting. Crew Heimer of the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA) gave a presentation on the need and purpose of the program. Spooner Phillips, Project Manager for the Macon – Atlanta Corridor Study, presented an overview of the previous studies conducted for the corridor. L. N. Manchi with Georgia Rail Consultants presented the alternatives analysis process including project scheduling. Inga Kennedy, Public Participation Coordinator, explained the program's public participation process and how the public can stay involved through various communication methods. The formal presentation was concluded and attendees provided comments at station locations set up throughout the room. The following comments and questions have been received to date: Comments Received at Meeting Provide additional service to areas outside of downtown Macon. Include cab and van services to promote rail service. Look at using main line to reduce travel time. Upgrade south line for freight use. Look at Houston County information to lend support for rail service. Try to locate stations near hotels/motels. Determine the reason for the decrease in ridership in Alabama. Travel time from Macon to Atlanta must be less than 45 minutes. Look at alignment on median of Interstate 75 as alternate. Needs to be as fast or faster as automobile. Need good service to airport (HAIA). High speed rail should utilize Interstate 75 row. Excessive stops will increase travel time. Need good connections to MARTA. Noise issues on C of G in Vineville, start on H then switch to S. Admin. redundancy or board. C of G better, less Commuter impact. Reasonable cost better than existing airport shuttle. Interpretive program on train as crosses historic/resources/cultural. N/S floods often. Needs to be accessible. Good parking at the station. Relation of Macon terminal to the city. Extension to Warner Robins. Public meetings should be from 5-7 p.m. Pro N/S line due to less existing freight Terminal station good site due to proximity of available land for parking and already hi-tech wires. Old C of G line too slow. Any rapid rail must include links with:         -Forsyth - especially the State Law/Safety Training Center         -Hartsfield-Atlanta International Airport         -Warner Robins AFB and City – the economic engine of Middle Georgia. It would be more convenient for people living in Macon and working in Atlanta to catch the train in Forsyth. The average commute from the suburbs to downtown Macon is 15 to 20 minutes. Many people would have to drive to downtown from the north; North and Northwest Bibb County and Bolingbroke. Driving to a downtown Macon terminal would require approximately 30-40 minutes from home to the terminal, defeating the purpose of catching a train verses driving to Atlanta. Platform is needed in Forsyth so these commuters can drive to Forsyth and catch the train. Questions Received at Meeting Are we looking at any other alignments east of NS mainline? Comments/Questions Received by E-mail I read on the GARAIL website about the first two planned commuter lines to Athens and Macon. Are there any plans for a line to Chattanooga? I am writing to express my concerns for use of the tracks formally known as the Old Central line that runs from Macon along Highway 41. My husband attended the public participation meeting that was held in Forsyth. We live in a neighborhood that is in close proximity to the above rail line. I am very concerned about the safety of my children and other children who live in this neighborhood and any other neighborhood that backs up to the rail line. I want to know what specific studies have been done concerning the safety of this High Speed Commuter Train when it travels past neighborhoods full of children. I have several questions that I would like an answer to: 1. What is the speed of this train in a residential neighborhood? 2. What are the sound and vibration levels of the High Speed Commuter Train versus the current freight train? 3. What are the proposed safety measures for homes that are within 100 feet of this High Speed Commuter Train? I look forward to receiving a reply. What is the maximum speed a train can travel at each point along the old Central of Georgia and Southern rail lines through Griffin and Jackson respectively (assuming the only restriction is the alignment of the track and not its condition), and how much can a track be curved and still allow 110 MPH service without using Talgo, TGV or tilt train technology? Comments/Questions Received by FAX Comments/Questions Received by Mail Georgia Rail Passenger Program Macon -Atlanta Corridor Study Public Scoping Meeting Summary May 24, 2000 - Griffin, GA Location:        Spalding County Courthouse Annex Attendees:        57 The meeting was opened by Arthur Vaughn, Presiding Officer and Executive Director of the Georgia Rail Passenger Authority (GRPA), who welcomed all attendees, gave a brief overview of the Georgia Rail Passenger Program and described the purpose of the meeting. Crew Heimer of the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA) gave a presentation on the need and purpose of the program. Spooner Phillips, Project Manager for the Macon - Atlanta Corridor Study, presented an overview of the previous studies conducted for the corridor. Larry Saben, Project Task Manager, presented the alternatives analysis process including project scheduling. Inga Kennedy, Public Participation Coordinator, explained the program's public participation process and how the public can stay involved through various communication methods. The formal presentation was concluded and attendees provided comments at station locations set up throughout the room. The following comments and questions have been received to date: Comments Received at Meeting Place a stop at the racetrack in Hampton. A part of the potential for Columbus-Griffin would be opportunity for a Multi-Modal facility at Griffin-Spalding airport. Line is very close to the airport-walking distance could fly into races, etc. – Empowerment Zone between downtown and airport. Rehabilitate this zone. People in Griffin want the rail in Spalding County want the stop station at the Welcome Center. Barnesville wants a stop. The city saved its depot so when rail service became available the Depot would be there to use. Lots of students commute to Gordon College and could use the train. Many people in Barnesville commute to Atlanta, Macon, Griffin, etc. We are missing out on not having a stop at Barnesville/Gordon College, which will be a 4 year college in 2 years. Several sites are available for a stop in Barnesville. Will you run express buses from smaller towns to the rail stations. Atlanta airport connection crucial. Traffic doubles between Sunnyside and Interstate 75. Use "S" line; population is greater. What about use priorities – conflict with freights. Relocated State Route 20 (Hampton), less than one mile from downtown Hampton. Henry County Development Authority - station location. It needs to stop in Barnesville!!! They'll build the station themselves! We need the "S" line in Griffin. My wife and I have commuted to Atlanta for ten years and have seen urban sprawl turn our commute on 19/41 from ten traffic lights to twenty. The congestion on I-75 South and 19/41 merge gridlock. A carefully planned alternative commute would do nothing but improve the quality of life in this community. Questions Received at Meeting Where will stations be located? Will you require R/W? Will equipment be new? Where does funding come from? How do you plan to subsidize it? What type of platform? Indoor or outdoor? Method of payment: cash or credit card used to pay? Where will the Griffin Station be located? Will "local" trains be added as the ridership grows? Will the line be straightened out as the ridership grows? Will the N.S. Railroad "clear the way" or hold trains so the commuter trains can run on schedule? Comments/Questions Received by E-mail Comments/Questions Received by Fax My vision for our rail center would be that of a linear park beginning at North Tenth Street to include parking spaces, paved walkways, trees, and grass. The current welcome center would be the foundation (fountainhead) for the corridor. Across the tracks (Broadway Street) the neighborhood contains a number of older homes with many architectural features. This neighborhood would be an excellent area for an enterprise zone and/or for rehabilitation. I would consider this area to be similar to Grant Park or Inman Park in Atlanta. There is also opportunity to rehab a mill that would make handsome loft apartments. Along the tracks there would be several sheds to protect passengers from the elements. I am very much in favor of the Macon-Atlanta line and am extremely pleased you are planning to stop in Griffin as it has the finest infrastructure (i.e. downtown grid with adjoining housing) of any town of its size in this area of the state. I strongly recommend the Griffin station be located downtown as this will encourage a true live-work-walk community, reducing traffic and promoting a vibrant community. Keep up the great work. Comments/Questions Received by Mail Georgia Rail Passenger Program Macon -Atlanta Corridor Study Public Scoping Meeting Summary May 25, 2000 - Forsyth, GA Location:        Forsyth City Hall Annex Attendees:        66 The meeting was opened by Crew Heimer, Presiding Officer and staff member of the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA), who welcomed all attendees, gave a brief overview of the Georgia Rail Passenger Program and described the purpose of the meeting. Crew Heimer of the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA) also gave a presentation on the need and purpose of the program. Spooner Phillips, Project Manager for the Macon - Atlanta Corridor Study, presented an overview of the previous studies conducted for the corridor. L. N. Manchi with Georgia Rail Consultants presented the alternatives analysis process including project scheduling. Inga Kennedy, Public Participation Coordinator, explained the program's public participation process and how the public can stay involved through various communication methods. The formal presentation was concluded and attendees provided comments at station locations set up throughout the room. The following comments and questions have been received to date: Comments Received at Meeting Big impact - will allow commute to Atlanta and Macon without having to move. Exporting about 200 students a year to other places. This would help keep people living in Forsyth. Georgia State Public Safety Training Center - average 700-1000 Public Safety officers per day from all over Georgia (75,000 a year), come to the Training Center. About 250 state employees at the Center from other counties that commute. They would be potential riders. The Training Center parallels two miles of the "S" Line - can the State of Georgia put a station there? The number of railroad crossings: public and private, criteria for closing. Parking spaces at the Old Depot on Johnston/Tift College Drive. May not be enough. Express from Forsyth to Atlanta (like Macon to Atlanta for employees in Atlanta). Want a Forsyth station. Put train down median of Interstate 75. Bring tourism from Atlanta to Monroe County. Goal of no subsidy is not realistic. In no area of the world does a railroad exist without government assistance. No reason for station at Bolingbroke. Place a station at Public Safety Training Center. Place a stop at Forsyth. Station location: Public Safety Training Center, Near Industrial Park outside of town, off Highway 41. Locate a station somewhat north of the Public Safety Training Center to accommodate Monroe County, Lamar County, and surrounding counties equally. People from Forsyth ride to Atlanta mainly to work at the General Motors plant in Doraville; currently van/carpool. People also work at Warner-Robins Air Force Base. A train used to run through Forsyth (The Nancy Hanks) and people took shopping trips and enjoyed them. Fifth Graders used to take the Nancy Hanks into Atlanta every year for field trips to the zoo and other attractions. Place the rail in highway medians. Keep rail in Highway row. It was gratifying to be able to participate in the hearing that was held in Forsyth. If the main focus is to preserve our environment, I think a train out of Atlanta is the best solution. However, I think the most urgent concern should be for the safety of drivers of small cars who are threatened continually by the speeding trucks. We should use separate roads for large trucks or rigid enforcement of speed limits and other safe driving practices. Questions Received at Meeting Is the focus of the study environmental or safety? Will noise or vibrations be higher? What kind of noise impact will it have? What are the thresholds? How many jobs will be created by having a station in Forsyth? Does any train system operate unsubsidized? Europeans run express with minimum stops and "semi" local trains that make more stops along the way. Will this be feasible? Comments/Questions Received by E-mail Thank you for the informative meeting last night. Please keep me informed of future meetings and developments. I think you can tell by the size of the crowd that there is a lot of interest in having the passenger train stop in Forsyth as soon as possible. If it is possible to include Forsyth in the first phase of the Atlanta to Macon connection please do so. Thank You. Comments/Questions Received by Fax Yes, we think the Georgia Rail System would greatly benefit many people in Georgia. We think it would cut down on traffic on the interstates – I could visit my son in Gainesville, go shopping in Macon, Griffin, or Atlanta, or travel to Savannah. (9 comments) Comments/Questions Received by Mail Georgia Rail Passenger Program Athens-Atlanta Corridor Study Public Scoping Meeting Summary May 31, 2000 - Decatur, GA Location:        Decatur Library Attendees:        9 The meeting was opened by Brad Hubbert, Presiding Officer and Board member of the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT)), who welcomed all attendees and gave a brief overview of the Georgia Rail Passenger Program and described the purpose of the meeting. Crew Heimer of the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority gave a presentation on the need and purpose of the program. Bill McCombs, Project Manager for the Athens - Atlanta Corridor Study, presented an overview of the previous studies conducted in the corridor. Larry Saben, Project Task Manager, presented the alternatives analysis process including project scheduling. Inga Kennedy, Public Participation Coordinator, explained the program's public participation process and how the public can stay involved through various communication methods. The formal presentation was concluded and attendees provided comments at station locations set up throughout the room. The following comments and questions have been received to date: Comments Received at Meeting Shuttle to CDC – from Potential Emory Station. Shuttle to CDC/Egleston area from Emory Station. Questions Received at Meeting What will the ride cost? Will it be built on existing track? Will the line pass through Emory University? Will it be run on existing rail or will new rail be built? How many jobs will be created? Will rail crossings be upgraded? How many crewmen will be on the train? Will the trains run every hour or so? What kind of rail cars will you have? Will any of the line be electric in the future? Is the Interstate 85 Corridor being considered? To what extent? Comments/Questions Received by E-mail - 21 Please consider the route through the Emory campus via the Howell junction. We oppose the commuter rail alternative from Clairmont through Coventry and East Lake or the "Inman Belt." The Emory campus area would be better served and would be a safer alternative. (34 comments) What effect would an increased capacity have on the historic train bridge at Ponce de Leon? Comments/Questions Received by FAX Please consider the route through the Emory campus via the Howell junction. We oppose the commuter rail alternative from Clairmont through Coventry and East Lake or the "Inman Belt." The Emory campus area would be better served and would be a safer alternative. (27 comments) Comments/Questions Received by Mail Please consider the route through the Emory campus via the Howell junction. We oppose the commuter rail alternative from Clairmont through Coventry and East Lake or the "Inman Belt." The Emory campus area would be better served and would be a safer alternative. (6 comments) Comments/Questions Received by Phone Please consider the route through the Emory campus via the Howell junction. We oppose the commuter rail alternative from Clairmont through Coventry and East Lake or the "Inman Belt." The Emory campus area would be better served and would be a safer alternative. (4 comments) Georgia Rail Passenger Program Multi-Modal Passenger Terminal (MMPT) Public Scoping Meeting Summary June 1, 2000 - Atlanta, GA Location:        James "Sloppy" Floyd Building Attendees:        19 The meeting was opened by Sharon Gay, Presiding Officer and Board member of the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA), who welcomed all attendees, gave a brief overview of the Georgia Rail Passenger Program and described the purpose of the meeting. Crew Heimer of GRTA gave a presentation on the need and purpose of the program. Ted Williams, Project Manager for the MMPT presented an overview of the previous work conducted for the proposed site. Larry Saben, Project Task Manager, presented the alternatives analysis process including project scheduling. Inga Kennedy, Public Participation Coordinator, explained the program's public participation process and how the public can stay involved through various communication methods. The formal presentation was concluded and attendees provided comments at station locations set up throughout the room. The following comments and questions have been received to date: Comments Received at Meeting New alignment along State Route 78 to Athens using existing rail line (Loganville) or an abandoned R.O.W. Adequate provisions to reverse commute at peak times and trains should run during special events on weekends. Downtown residents support the MMPT. Joint development with the MMPT; in particular make provision for convenience type shopping. Consider building a new commuter rail track on CSX R.O.W. Have provisions for people to bring bicycles on the trains. Service to Emory - secondary distribution. Access to Lindberg Station, Georgia Tech, Crawford Long, etc. A Georgia State University stop on the Athens line. Atlanta Chamber is supporting enhancing public transportation. Please consider the Atlanta rail line that travels through the Emory campus. While this is a more difficult route to build, it provides superior access to Emory/CDC, Buckhead, Midtown, and Georgia Tech. This should also involve MARTA and its potential for serving Emory University and the CDC. This Northern Route will also avoid revisiting earlier controversial corridors proposed by MARTA. It will also support the joint position by Emory University, Clifton Corridor, and the Druid Hills Civic Association. Environmental justice needs to be well defined. Not just one group of people. Needs to be looked at as a whole. Thinks public meeting was poorly planned. More consultants/ business representatives present than residents. Athens line would take 90 minutes to get to Atlanta yet she can get there by car in 55 minutes. Why would she take the train? Survey should be done of Athens students. Doesn't think anyone would want to take it. Thinks line should come down from Dacula to hit Snellville, Loganville, between Monroe. Her area has enough trains coming through as is. Major issues would be raised if more trains came through. Questions Received at Meeting What are the requirements for double tracking? Commute time? Maintenance facility location? Why ride trains for 90 minutes when you can ride 55 minutes in an automobile? Have decisions been made regarding where the corridor will be? Does not think some corridors have been identified that need to be. Have health impacts been studied? Relative to the mobility and immobility of people. Immediate and long term impacts. Comments/Questions Received by E-mail Comments/Questions Received by Fax Comments/Questions Received by Mail End of Meeting Summaries June 26, 2000