Reality Sets on Macon Atlanta Rail Service

An inner city passenger rail line between Macon and Atlanta is becoming more of a reality. It’s a relief for supporters, because three states, Florida, Ohio, and Wisconsin, have already rejected federal support to create their own rail lines.

Georgia has an advantage because the rail tracks already exist. The Transportation Enhancement Act of 2010 would fund the project.

The bill will ask voters to raise the sales tax by 1% for ten years, and would fund very specific transportation projects that must be completed during that decade.

Supporters say it’s a small price to pay for economic development.

“It’s a transportation investment, but it comes with a whole bunch of other benefits: environmental; smart growth; energy; security; [and] choices,” says Gordon Kenna, CEO of Georgians for Passenger Rail.

Voters will decide whether to raise taxes to fund the Transportation Enhancement Act in August 2012.

The Macon Atlanta rail line is expected to cost around $400 million.