Georgia DOT transit grants frozen by feds

ATLANTA - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is reporting that the Federal Transit Administration has frozen transit grants to Georgia because of financial management issues.

The newspaper says it has obtained a report that cast doubt on whether the Georgia Department of Transportation could manage grants for a commuter rail line proposed for the Atlanta area, going south to Lovejoy.

The report reviews DOT's handling of federal grants to smaller and rural transit operators. The newspaper says it cites a financial reporting system that misstates the time period for reports.

Paul Griffo, a spokesman for the federal agency, says release of the money depends upon getting a satisfactory action plan from DOT.

DOT spokesman David Spear says DOT is confident the freeze will be lifted after a meeting Friday.