July 2010: Residents Invited to Comment on Transportation

Residents are invited to help evaluate and identify transportation solutions for Hall County at a public meeting scheduled for 5:30-7 p.m. July 14, at the Georgia Mountains Center, 301 Main Street SW, Gainesville. A formal presentation will be given at 6 p.m. on the planning process and to solicit ideas and comments from the public.

The Gainesville-Hall Metropolitan Planning Organization (GHMPO), made up of local citizens, government staff, and elected officials, is currently developing the federally mandated 2040 Metropolitan Transportation Plan. An important part of this planning process is the public’s participation in developing long-term goals and setting short-term priorities for the County’s transportation system. In addition to next week’s public meeting, three others are scheduled over the next 12 months until the plan is finalized.

“We build roads for the use of the taxpayers, so we take public comment very seriously. We’ll respect and contemplate public suggestions and will incorporate ideas into the plan that are cost effective and benefit the community,” said Randy Knighton, Hall County Planning Director.

Topics of discussion at Wednesday’s meeting may include the following:
• Current transportation needs and concerns in the Gainesville-Hall area
• Prioritization of projects and issues already identified in the previous plan
• Improving bicycle and pedestrian access
• Existing and future public transportation conditions and needs
• Major road projects and new corridors
• Transportation improvements for freight movement and economic development

The existing 2030 Long Range Transportation Plan and more information on GHMPO’s planning activities can be accessed at www.ghmpo.org.

Media Contacts:
Srikanth Yamala, Transportation Planning Manager, 770-531-6809 or syamala@hallcounty.org