2/5/2009

Mayor Littlefield Commends High Speed Maglev Study

Chattanooga, Tennessee – Mayor Ron Littlefield today commended the Georgia Senate Transportation Committee on their unanimous approval of a resolution which endorses the Atlanta to Chattanooga high-speed maglev connection.  “This brings us one step closer to realizing a long sought after high-speed rail connection for Chattanooga,” said Mayor Littlefield.  “With the current economic developments in Chattanooga, developing a strategic transportation plan is vital for our community and one in which we must participate.”

Georgia Senator Jeff Mullis was joined by 12 other senators along the North Georgia corridor in co-sponsoring the resolution.

Senate Resolution 117

By: Senators Mullis of the 53rd, Stoner of the 6th, Seay of the 34th, Staton of the 18th, Reed of the 35th and others

A RESOLUTION

Urging the Georgia Department of Transportation to support a maglev train connecting Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta along Interstate 75 with the Chattanooga Municipal Airport (Lovell Field), to be known as the "The Plane Train"; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Hartsfield-Jackson Airport is close to reaching its maximum operating capacity; and

WHEREAS, it is unlikely that any political subdivision in northwest Georgia would allow a new international airport to be built in its jurisdiction;and

WHEREAS, many residents in North Georgia and visitors to our state complain that the Atlanta airport is too far away and does not serve their needs; and

WHEREAS, any trip to Hartsfield-Jackson Airport from North Georgia necessarily involves delays due to the congestion encountered while traveling through the metropolitan Atlanta area; and

WHEREAS, a magnetic levitating, or maglev, train is a form of transportation that levitates, guides, and propels vehicles using electromagnetic force. This method is faster than wheeled mass transit systems, potentially reaching velocities comparable to turboprop and jet aircraft; and

WHEREAS, one advantage of maglev's higher speed would be extension of the serviceable area (3 hours radius) that can out compete subsonic commercial aircraft; and

WHEREAS, high-speed maglev is safe, environmentally friendly, and energy efficient, reducing pollution, transportation fatalities, and reliance on foreign oil; and

WHEREAS, both past and current studies by the Atlanta Regional Commission and the Georgia Department of Transportation have validated the feasibility of implementing a revenue-producing maglev system in this corridor with potential regional extensions to other parts of the state and other states.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA that this body urges the Department of Transportation to develop a strategic plan to construct a high-speed (240 MPH and above) maglev system or "Plane Train" connecting Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta with Lovell Field in Chattanooga using proven commercially available and readily deployable high-speed maglev systems similar to the maglev system currently in operation in Shanghai, China.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this body urges the Department of Transportation to report to the General Assembly by September 30, 2009, on its progress in developing this plan.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to transmit appropriate copies of this resolution to the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Transportation and to each member of the State Transportation Board.