Back in May, Atlanta voters overwhelmingly approved a new round of funding for infrastructure projects in the city. The vote meant the city and Mayor Andre Dickens’ administration could proceed with the Move Atlanta Forward campaign, funded by $350 million in TSPLOST money and $400 million from bonds. The TSPLOST was a renewal of the 4/10 of a penny sales tax approved in 2016. On Tuesday, Dickens announced the rollout for the program.
“We are ready to Move Atlanta Forward through these historic infrastructure investments,” Dickens said. “These game-changing investments in transportation, greenspaces and public safety will help us ensure that Atlanta is a city built for the future. Our Strategic Delivery Plan spells out our commitment to deliver these projects as we have promised.”
In total, there is $460 million dedicated to transportation projects, including $196.5 million for sidewalks and trails, $108 million for safe streets projects and protected bike lanes and $32 million for street repairs. Anybody that spends much time on Atlanta sidewalks – or pushing a stroller over them – is grateful for any bit of sidewalk repair. The remaining bulk of the funding is split out $72.8 million in recreation centers and pools across the city, $64.6 million for park improvements and $15 million for the arts. There is also more than $90 million dedicated to public safety, with nearly $70 million going towards police and fire station facilities.
“Atlanta voters have placed their trust in the City to deliver, and we are committed to doing so in a timely, transparent and high-quality manner,” Dickens added.
Notably, the vast majority of projects seem to be repair or renovations, some of which are long overdue. The TSPLOST may not be changing the face of the city but it will help to make the city better and make the existing infrastructure work like it is supposed to – $100 million alone is dedicated to sidewalk installs and repairs on major streets.
“These investments will transform our roads, trails and pedestrian infrastructure, construct new public safety facilities that meet the needs of the women and men who serve our communities, and transform our parks, recreation centers and pools,” said Mayor Dickens. “These investments will touch every corner of the city. I greatly appreciate the partnership of the City Council Members who have been determined advocates for these projects, and who will be valued partners as we move forward with implementation.”
To see the full project list:
https://www.atlantaga.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/54972/637854601538600000
