Georgia transit will worsen unless funding expands

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ATLANTA - The first report from the state's new transportation planning director warns Georgia's cities will get more congested and that moving freight from the ports will get harder unless new funding sources are found soon.

It calls for additional resources equivalent to a 1 percent sales tax statewide, in addition to "a robust approach to tolls" and networks of managed lanes and transit. Doing so could allow the state to capture up to $480 million in economic benefits and 425,000 new jobs over the next 20 to 30 years.

Under a transportation-governance makeover bill approved by the General Assembly in 2009,

JTA considering bus-only lanes downtown

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Bus-only lanes similar to those now on Blanding Boulevard on Jacksonville’s Westside will be coming to downtown within the next two years.

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority is moving forward with plans for bus-only lanes on downtown roads, a $12 million project that is the first phase of a long-term plan designed to create the lanes throughout Jacksonville.

JTA expects to advertise for a design contractor in January, hire a contractor a few months later and begin construction in 2011. Neil Nance, JTA design project manager, said the lanes would open sometime in 2012 on portions of Jefferson, Broad, Forsyth and Bay streets

Plan to build bus shelters with advertising in Jacksonville moves forward

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Despite a previous pledge to consult with critics of their plan beforehand, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority is getting ready to move forward on its own with a plan to build bus shelters with commercial advertisements.

In October, the City Council amended its sign law to allow JTA to build bus shelters with advertisements. Several vocal opponents objected, worried that the legislation would allow sign companies to challenge the validity of the entire city sign law.

JTA and the city's general counsel's office said that wouldn't happen, and JTA agreed to meet with critics and hold off on hiring a sign

Mustang enthusiasts wed in Ford showroom in St. Augustine

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ST. AUGUSTINE - Wedding bell cutouts hung at the entrance to the service department and Ford Motor Co.'s signature blue and silver adorned a balloon arch in the dealership showroom as bride and groom said their vows.

For Ford Mustang lovers Vickie Sue Kilpatrick and Ronnie Cox, it was the perfect way to mix two loves.

"Mustang" is even etched in their wedding bands.

Photos: Mustang Wedding in St. Augustine

The couple met three years ago at Family Worship Center in St. Augustine. Ronnie Cox is a native of the city and his bride-to-be hailed from Callahan.

"We hadn't talked three minutes and we

Orange Park traffic alert: Kingsley rail crossing may reopen Friday

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The railroad crossing at Kingsley Avenue at Doctors Lake Drive in Orange Park, where repairs were delayed by recent rain and cold weather, may be reopened Friday.

But more rain expected this week could delay the work again, said Mike Goldman, spokesman for the Florida Department of Transportation.

"It looks like it could be Friday (for reopening). The asphalt work is done. Now, the concrete portion is underway doing the curbs, medians and sidewalk areas. There is rain in the forecast, and we don’t know how this will impact the schedule," he said in an email.

The $330,000 project, which required the crossing

Georgia transit will worsen unless funding expands

JTA considering bus-only lanes downtown

Plan to build bus shelters with advertising in Jacksonville moves forward

Mustang enthusiasts wed in Ford showroom in St. Augustine

Orange Park traffic alert: Kingsley rail crossing may reopen Friday

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