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Congressman
Bob Barr comes out
on side to build the Northern Arc
By Congressman Bob Barr
Seventh District of Georgia
Special to GwinnettForum.com
(Editor's Note: With the question
of building the outer perimeter highway from Gwinnett to Bartow
County a major topic these days, Congressman Bob Barr recently stated
his views to a constituent. We asked for a summation of those views.---eeb)
MARCH 15, 2002 -- Last year, my wife Jeri and I purchased a home
in Cherokee County. Much of our personal and financial future will
be built around that home, which lies near the center of a county
that will be directly affected by the proposed Northern Arc.
Like many of the people in counties along the proposed corridor,
we have mixed emotions about the road, and we share many of the
same concerns; but I also know steps must be taken to alleviate
traffic congestion.
As a federal prosecutor in the late 1980s, I knew the strongest
cases were those in which evidence was gathered and evaluated, before
charges were brought; rather than charging first and then trying
to develop the evidence. Similarly, in this instance, I have tried
to learn as much as I can about the Northern Arc -- its history,
its proposed routes, and alternatives -- in order to develop sound
opinions.
This is why I have met with transportation officials, citizens,
local government officials, businesses, and others in recent weeks,
to discuss the Northern Arc and transportation needs of North Metro
Atlanta. In fact, it is for this reason, I was grateful to be appointed
recently by State Senator Rusty Paul as federal adviser to the Northern
Arc Legislative Caucus. This position will allow me first-hand access
to this debate as it moves forward, and in turn, I will be able
to keep my constituents in the Seventh District better informed.
In my view, on balance, we clearly have to develop, improve, and
build a surface transportation system capable of moving people from
east to west and from west to east, north of Atlanta. Anyone who
has attempted to negotiate roadways in our area, such as Georgia
Highways 20 or 120, during rush hour, cannot help but realize the
negative impact our current inadequate transportation system has
on our daily lives. These same narrow roads are much more dangerous
-- especially for young drivers and senior citizens -- than a divided,
limited access highway would be.
In meeting with several transportation experts, all of them have
told me, no matter how many upgrades are made to existing roads,
it is an unavoidable fact they are not sustainable for the future,
and they are and will remain unsafe.
Over the long term, a failure to develop an adequate west-east
road network in our area will lead not to smart growth, but to declining
growth. This would mean fewer jobs, declining property values, and
a shrinking tax base, which means higher property taxes, in return
for fewer parks, schools, and police protection.
We can -- and should -- debate where this should take place, and
citizens must have their views heard; but I do not think there is
any question a transportation crisis exists, it will only get worse,
and something needs to be done.
I intend to remain very actively involved in listening to Seventh
District residents who have concerns about this issue, whether they
are expressed by a large group or individuals. If my office can
offer assistance in conveying concerns about proposed routes or
points of access to state and local officials, or help obtain information
on the Northern Arc, I stand ready to do so; in fact, we have already
done so.
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