How will DeKalb County voters vote on T-SPLOST? - CBS Atlanta 46

Metro Atlanta is days away from its critical Transportation Investment Act vote that would not only change how people commute to work, but would also determine the region's economic future.

That's the T-SPLOST sales pitch, but many question if it is the right plan to end the area's horrendous traffic gridlock. 

No group of voters is asking more questions than the residents of DeKalb County. While most agree that the county's traffic congestion is hurting commuters and stifling business opportunities, most don't agree which projects the T-SPLOST should pay for.

Commissioner Lee May claims many of his constituents are concerned that only parts of the county were granted rail projects.

"DeKalb County is getting $1 billion, however, the lion's share, over 75 percent of all the projects, are going to one corner the northern part of the county," May said.

May pointed to the $700 million "Clifton Corridor" project, which ultimately builds a MARTA stop to serve Emory, the CDC and workers at the VA hospital, by connecting that stop to the Lindbergh MARTA Station in Atlanta. 

DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce president Leonardo McClarty said he understood the frustration of some taxpayers who desperately want expanded rail projects throughout the county.  But he said he believes the Transportation Investment Act is a good first step and, rail or not, the plan is major economic boom for the county.

"Every day that we do not do something, things continue to get worse, which puts us behind," McClarty said.

Voters decide on the referendum on July 31.

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