This week, the Federal government invited the State of Georgia to apply for a $270,000,000 loan for building new High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes along I-75 and I-575 in Cobb and Cherokee Counties. As a result, Georgia DOT (GDOT) is now putting this project out to bid as part of a "public-private partnership" (PPP) deal.

Like the I-85 HOT lanes, these lanes will have a per-mile price that vary according to traffic congestion levels. The greater congestion, the higher the toll.

Unlike the I-85 HOT lanes, these will be new lanes built alongside the existing Interstates.

According to GDOT, the I-75/575 HOT lane project (previously known as the Northwest Corridor Project) is estimated to cost a total of one billion... yes billion... dollars... and we, the taxpayers may be paying for about a third of it!!!

Granted that these would be brand new lanes, but still, the idea that my tax dollars are going to a project that will line the pockets of a private company and benefit a minority of drivers smells like a potentially bad case of so-called "corporate welfare" to me. Since the lanes are being built within the existing state right-of-way, then said firms should pay us (the taxpayers) for allowing them to construct their project, since we own it in the first place.

If a private firm factors in the potential revenue stream from would-be customers (motorists) and said revenues can cover the costs to own and operate HOT lanes, plus provide a profit, then that's fine with me. Otherwise, our tax dollars should be used to improve the existing roads (e.g. I-75 and I-575) for the benefit of all motorists... period!!!

I know that I'm essentially "fighting windmills", but nonetheless, I feel it is my duty as an American to freely express my views on something that I feel will not necessarily be in the best interests of the people overall. The First Amendment to our beloved U.S. Constitution gives us that right to do so. Billions of citizens of other nations (e.g. China) don't have such a right. For example, if I were Chinese, then I would be labeled a so-called "dissident" and would face imprisonment, torture, and even death, for questioning the government.

For now, I'm finished with my tirade, so let's "switch gears" and watch my 2-part "ROADGEEK-CAM!!!" from Valdosta...





That's it for now. Thanks for reading and watching my videos and please come back again.

SOURCE: "Toll Project To Go To Bidding, Not Sure When", Atlanta Journal-Constitution, July 19, 2011.

 

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