New draft of long range transportation going to public

GAINESVILLE - The Gaineville-Hall Long Range Transportation Plan will be the subject of a public meeting early next month.

The meeting will be November 4 at 5:30 at the Georgia Mountains Center.

The Gainesville-Hall Metropolitan Planning Organization (GHMPO) says since its initial public meeting August 31, the plan has been revised based on input from affected governments and agencies - and the general public.

Topics to be covered at the meeting include:

*Major road projects in the county and their priority

*Dealing with traffic congestion in Gainesville

*Air quality and other environmental impacts of the transportation system

*The role of Hall Area Transit in the agency's plans

*Incorporating bicycles and pedestrians into transportation planning in the Gainesville area

*Transportation planning for freight movement and economic development

In January, Georgia's Deputy Transportation Commissioner told the GHMPO Policy Committee it needed to regionalize its road projects.

"Each one of you have been separate to a large degree on planning your own future in Hall County or Flowery Branch or Oakwood," Larry Dent said. "We haven't looked at it from a regional standpoint."

The plan is projected for official adoption by the group's policy committee December 14. A copy of the plan and additional information can be obtained by contacting John McHenry, GHMPO Transportation Planner, 770-531-6809, ext. 286.