(UPDATED) ARC approves MARTA funding to avoid service reductions
One-time effort shifts $25 million in stimulus funding to help transit agency fill budget gap
In a packed meeting at its downtown headquarters, the Atlanta Regional Commission threw cash-strapped MARTA a life preserver today, approving a reallocation of $25 million in federal stimulus dollars to help the transit agency avoid drastic service reductions.
Officials stressed the one-time funding shuffle wasn’t a bailout. Under the terms of the agreement, MARTA will shift money from its unreserved capital fund to pay for MARTA-related road projects that will benefit the region.
Today’s one-time move by the ARC proved necessary after the Georgia General Assembly failed to pass legislation earlier this year that would allow MARTA more control over its funding. MARTA officials said the transit agency risked cutting a full day of service should new funding not be secured.
The deal wasn’t met with enthusiasm from everyone.