Gov. Roy Barnes is spreading more than $8 billion across traffic-congested areas to give most commuters something they haven't had before -- choices.
"The plan, which will utilize proceeds from a federal bond program, will hasten a number of planned transit projects, as well as new and expanded roads. Almost $2 billion would be spent during the next five years on HOV lanes, $4 billion on rail and bus service, and nearly $4 billion on highway expansion, rural highway development and the Northern Arc. The total program will cost almost $10 billion, $907 million of which was already budgeted. The plan struck the right chord with just about everyone -- from conservative lawmakers to litigating environmentalists. It has seemingly satisfied most of his critics, at least for now. "It's hard not to be impressed," said attorney Wesley Woolf, who is representing a coalition of environmental groups suing the state over the 25-year regional transportation plan. "I think the program shows the governor understands many of the issues."
Thanks to Christian Peralta
FULL STORY: $8.3 billion transit plan gets fast-track acceptance

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