Sen. Ossoff’s “Local Transit Planning Support Act” will boost funding to plan transit infrastructure in Georgia’s low-income and low-density areas
Washington, D.C. –– Today, President Joe Biden signed U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff’s Local Transit Planning Support Actinto law.
Sen. Ossoff’s Local Transit Planning Support Act will increase Federal funding for transit planning in both low-income and low-density areas and boost economic opportunity and quality of life in urban and rural communities that have historically been underserved and lack access to public transportation.
“This bill will boost economic growth, expand transit and transportation development, and increase quality of life for Georgians and all Americans,” Sen. Ossoff said. “We are delivering a generational investment in transit and transportation for all our communities.”
Georgia leaders applauded Sen. Ossoff’s bill being signed into law and the impact it will have across the state:
“In Valdosta, we’ve seen the positive effects of expanded transit options firsthand, and Sen. Ossoff’s new bill to increase Federal funding for transit access in low-population areas will continue that important work and give more Georgians a shot at success,” said Sandra Tooley, Valdosta City Councilwoman. “His Local Transit Planning Support Act is good for Valdosta, and I was proud to support him in his work to get it signed into law. I want to again thank Sen. Ossoff for all his support that he is providing the citizens of Valdosta.”
“Sen. Ossoff’s legislation to promote transit equity will bring more economic opportunity to the Macon-Bibb County area and give low-income Georgians increased access to good-paying jobs, education, and child care. Expanding access to transit for low-income and low-population areas will benefit everyone across central Georgia, and I was proud to work with Sen. Ossoff to get his bill passed,” said Mayor of Macon-Bibb County, Lester Miller.
“Access to reliable public transit is essential for low- and moderate-income communities in Savannah and across our state, and Sen. Ossoff’s Local Transit Planning Support Act will give metro planning organizations, like ours, the tools they need to expand transit for more Georgia workers and families,” Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said. “This bill promotes equity in our community and will boost our local economy.”
“For low-income families in Augusta, access to transit means access to jobs, child care, education, and more,” said Augusta Mayor Hardie Davis Jr. “Sen. Ossoff’s bill to increase funding for metro planning organizations that serve low-income communities will help ensure transit options are available for the Georgians who need it most, and I applaud his efforts on this innovative legislation.”
“Access to public transit is a key indicator of economic and financial stability. Athens-Clarke County is excited to partner with Sen. Ossoff on this new legislation to ensure our planning organization has the boost it needs to help bring transit options into the communities that have historically been underserved,” Athens-Clarke County Mayor Kelly Girtz said.
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