Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson to Hold Special Called Public Works & Infrastructure Meeting to Discuss Mass Transit Options and Funding Costs

Seeks to progressively move mass transit forward in DeKalb

DeKalb County Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson will hold a special called county-wide Public Works & Infrastructure (PWI) Committee meeting on Thursday, April 21 at 11 a.m.

This virtual meeting can be accessed via Zoom at https://dekalbcountyga.zoom.us/j/7753778046 as well as live streamed via DCTV Channel 23 at https://video.ibm.com/channel/dctv-channel-23.

This will be the second special called meeting held by Commissioner Cochran-Johnson in her role as chair of the PWI Committee, with the purpose of actively engaging all DeKalb County municipalities in the critical conversation regarding the future of transit in DeKalb.

During this meeting, there will be a presentation on the modes of mass transit available to DeKalb County, including heavy rail, light rail and Bus Rapid Transit. In addition, the cost associated with each mode of transportation will also be discussed.

Mass transportation is critical to the future of DeKalb County from an economic development, quality of life and environmental perspective. As roads become more congested from commuter travel and expansion, mass transit will continue to take center-stage in conversations pertaining to planned growth.

“We have seen the impact of mass transportation and rail on transit-oriented development throughout Metro Atlanta,” said Commissioner Cochran-Johnson. “Where there is access to rail, economic centers develop and economic opportunities increase. In addition, mass transit plays a major role in business recruitment because it provides easy access to the workforce.”

President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, presents a historical and opportune time to act on mass transit in DeKalb County. Passed in November 2021, the $1 trillion investment in America’s infrastructure will make it possible to rebuild roads, bridges and rails, as well as expand access to clean drinking water. Furthermore, it will invest in underserved communities, address both the climate crisis and environmental justice, and aid in ensuring every American has access to high-speed internet.

“My special called meetings are designed to have the necessary conversations that lay the foundation for a specific course of action that benefits all DeKalb County residents,” said Commissioner Cochran-Johnson. “DeKalb has the opportunity to seek federal funding for mass transit, however, we are required to have a local match. In order to be successful, we must work alongside our congressmen, senators and local municipalities to determine a course of action and funding mechanism. These conversations are about preparation and a definitive course of action.”

The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority, Georgia Department of Transportation and the Atlanta Regional Commission will all be present to participate in the conversation.

The previous special called PWI meeting, held March 24, 2022, had representation for ten of DeKalb County’s 13 municipalities. There was a clear desire to work collectively and moving forward the ultimate goal will be to implement mass public transit throughout DeKalb County. To view the March 24 meeting, click here.

For more information on DeKalb County’s Master Transit Plan, click here.

For media coverage or to schedule an interview with Commissioner Cochran-Johnson, email amslocum@dekalbcountyga.gov or call 470-889-4213.