Department
Public Works
Requested Action (Identify appropriate Action or Motion, purpose, cost, timeframe, etc.)
title
Request approval of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Fulton County and the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), Clayton County, City of College Park, Airport South Community Improvement District, Airport West Community Improvement District, and the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) for participation in the Automated Transit Network (ATN) Investigation & Implementation Study; to authorize the Chairman to execute the agreement and related documents; to authorize the County Attorney to approve as to form and make modifications as necessary to protect the County’s interests prior to execution; and for other purposes. Effective upon execution. (APPROVED)
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Requirement for Board Action (Cite specific Board policy, statute or code requirement)
Pursuant to GA CONST Art. 9, § 3, ¶ I, a county may contract for any period not exceeding 50 years with any other public agency, public corporation, or public authority for joint services, for the provision of services. Further, O.C.G.A. § 36-10-1 provides that all official contracts entered into by the County governing authority with other persons on behalf of the County shall be in writing and entered on its minutes.
Strategic Priority Area related to this item (If yes, note strategic priority area below)
Infrastructure and Economic Development
Commission Districts Affected
All Districts ☐
District 1 ☐
District 2 ☐
District 3 ☐
District 4 ☒
District 5 ☒
District 6 ☒
Is this a purchasing item?
No
Summary & Background (First sentence includes Agency recommendation. Provide an executive summary of the action that gives an overview of the relevant details for the item.)
Scope of Work:
Public Works recommends Fulton County executing the MOA to continue developing transportation alternatives around Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
In 2018, the Airport South and Airport West Community Improvement Districts initiated a transit study to identify transit improvements that could be made within their service area to improve mobility for residents, visitors, and workers. This study identified a Mobility District, centered around Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, where transit improvements should be made. Identified transit improvements include extending service to 24 hours/7 days a week.
In 2020, a second phase of the study was completed that developed a conceptual design for an ATN that would run along the north side of the Airport connecting MARTA’s College Park rail station to the international terminal mostly following the Airport Loop Road. The intended service would be used by international airport users, Corporate Crescent employees, and surrounding residents.
Based on the successes of these first two studies, a third study is proposed to more fully develop the ATN including constructability, impacts, operations, benefits, and costs. The cost of this study is estimated to be $3 million and is funded by existing MARTA capital funds. The study is expected to begin in the summer of 2023.
Fulton County has been a partner with the previous studies and is not being asked to financially participate in the cost of the study. Rather, Fulton County is asked to be an active member of the Project Governance Committee that will provide oversight, decision-making, and direction for the project. In additional, Fulton County would also serve on the Technical Working Group that will be established to provide technical assistance to advance the project decisions to the Governance Committee. By executing the MOA, Fulton County is agreeing to be a member of the Governance Committee and Technical Working Group.
A copy of the Memorandum of Agreement may be found in Exhibit 1 attached to this agenda item.
Community Impact:
The first two studies have been well received by the surrounding communities. Additional public engagement will be done by MARTA at key decision points of the study.
Department Recommendation:
The Department of Public Works recommends Fulton County execute the MOA and be active members of the Governance Committee and Technical Working Group.
Project Implications:
At this time, there are no direct or indirect implications for Fulton County identified for this project. Possible implications will be identified during the study.
Community Issues/Concerns:
Public Works is not aware of any issues or concerns raised by the community concerning this 3rd study.
Department Issues/Concerns:
Public Works staff have no issues or concerns with the proposed study.
Fiscal Impact / Funding Source
Funding Line 1:
N/A