“Local Transit Planning Support Act” increases funding to plan transit and transportation development for low-income and low-density areas
Bill will boost opportunity and quality of life in urban and rural communities that haven’t received their fair share of resources
Sen. Ossoff continues leading the push for historic infrastructure and transit investments
Leaders across Georgia speak out in support of the effort
Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff introduced the Local Transit Planning Support Act, new legislation to boost economic and transportation development in underserved parts of Georgia and the United States.
The Local Transit Planning Support Act will increase funding to plan transit and transportation development in both low-income and low-density areas.
This will boost economic opportunity and quality of life in urban and rural communities that have historically been underserved and lack access to public transportation.
“The Local Transit Planning Support Act will boost economic growth, expand transit and transportation development, and increase quality of life for Georgians and all Americans,” Sen. Ossoff said. “This is the moment for a once-in-a-generation investment in transit and transportation, and this bill will ensure all communities are included.”
Local leaders from across the state praised Sen. Ossoff’s bill today, pointing to the impact it would have in their communities:
“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 – let’s get it done.”
“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 new 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.”
“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’m proud to work with Sen. Ossoff to get his bill passed,” said Mayor of Macon-Bibb County, Lester Miller.
“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 we’re proud to support him in his work to get it signed into law. I want to again thank Senator Ossoff for all his support that he is providing the citizens of Valdosta.”
“Access to public transit is a key indicator of economic and financial stability. Athens-Clarke County is excited to partner with Senator 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.
Click here to read the Local Transit Planning Support Act.
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