Atlanta MMPT agreement signed

U.S. Representative John Lewis and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed joined the State Transportation Board, other officials and private-sector partners in commemorating the signing of an agreement for the initial development of a Multi-Modal Passenger Terminal and commercial center in downtown Atlanta. To be located in the long under-utilized "Gulch" area near Philips Arena, the Georgia Dome and World Congress Center, the MMPT will be developed for the Georgia Department of Transportation by Forest City/Cousins/Integral, a consortium of private firms. The Atlanta MMPT will be the hub for existing and proposed transportation networks serving Metro Atlanta and beyond, including MARTA rail and bus, regional express busses and the state's passenger rail network. It may also accommodate future transportation, including high-speed rail, light rail and streetcar services. In addition, it will serve as a catalyst for one of the largest Transit-Oriented Development projects in the U.S., with expected commercial, recreational and residential mixed-use development. Georgia Department of Transporation's $12.2 million, two-year contract with the consortium will provide a conceptual design of the MMPT and potential funding options. Lewis, a long-time supporter of the MMPT concept, said "it is a great day for Atlanta and the whole region. We have reached an important milestone in this development, and I look forward to returning in a few years for the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the MMPT." "The Multi-Modal Passenger Terminal will help transform how we move around our city and region," said Reed. "The MMPT will serve as the focal point for many existing and future transit networks. It is an important part of the overall effort to improve and expand public transportation in metropolitan Atlanta and it will help our region maintain its competitive edge."