Governor Perdue Takes Action to Protect GA 400 Toll Dollars Governor's Order Directs Use of Excess Tollway Funds to GA 400 Corridor

Atlanta - Governor Sonny Perdue today issued an Order directing the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA) to immediately prepare rules, for adoption within the next 30 days, to ensure that excess tollway dollars are allocated expressly to State Route 400 improvements, enhancements to connection roads, and other mobility-enhancing benefits on or relating to State Route 400. Governor Perdue serves as chairman of SRTA.

"I have directed SRTA to move quickly to develop rules that secure the use of excess State Route 400 dollars for projects that directly benefit the State Route 400 corridor and its commuters," said Governor Sonny Perdue.

"I believe that the expenditure of the excess Georgia 400 tollway dollars must benefit those Georgians who pay the toll and travel this congested corridor. The Georgia 400 corridor is one of our state's most important economic centers and, with serious transportation needs, this Order gives us the flexibility to address these needs while, at the same time, ensuring that the dollars remain within the corridor in which they are collected."

Governor Perdue also vetoed Senate Bill 221 (SB 221) today. The legislation would have required that tollway dollars be spent only on State Route 400, restricting their use for other transportation initiatives within the corridor that would benefit commuters in the area.

"I have also briefed Fulton County Chairman Mike Kenn, our North Fulton and Forsyth County legislative delegation, the North Fulton Chamber of Commerce and the Perimeter Community Improvement District of my decision to veto HB 221 and issue this Order. I am pleased that they have offered their support to my office and to SRTA as we work to allocate these funds in a way that best meets the transportation needs and supports the continued economic growth of the Georgia 400 corridor," added Governor Perdue.