GDOT appeals to city, county in Red Rabbit funding issue

ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is appealing to Gainesville and Hall County for help in determining the future of the Red Rabbit, the Gainesville area public transit system.

May 10 is the deadline for submitting an application to the federal government for a $400,000 grant to help keep the system operating past July 1.

GDOT spokesman David Spear confirmed Tuesday morning that his agency needs to know who, if anybody, will be applying for the grant so it can adjust the timetable for its involvement in the process, adding that there is a chance the federal government will extend the deadline.

The Hall County Commission voted April 10 not to apply for the grant, leaving the ball in the city's court but last week there were new developments. (See earlier story. First link below.)

Meeting one day after the April 10 county commission meeting, the Gainesville City Council minced no words in expressing displeasure with the commission action. (See earlier story. Second link below.)