Plan could gut responsibilities of Ga. DOT board

ATLANTA - A plan being considered by the state's top leaders could gut the responsibilities of the Georgia Department of Transportation Board.

The board now approves projects lists and sets policy for Georgia's $2 billion annual transportation budget.

The state Transportation Board is elected by the Legislature.

But a draft organizational chart obtained by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution suggests the state would combine the current State Road and Tollway Authority and the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority into a new entity.

Members would be appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor and the speaker of the House. The authority would create long- and short-term range statewide transportation plans.