MARTA passes '15th amendment' to support capacity, expansion plans

The MARTA Board of Directors voted to support a resolution to execute the 15th amendment to the Rapid Transit Contract and Assistance Agreement (RTCAA), an intergovernmental agreement between MARTA and its four jurisdictions — the City of Atlanta, Fulton County, DeKalb County, and Clayton County.

The amendment to the RTCAA, which outlines jurisdictional roles and responsibilities relating to the development of the MARTA system, ratifies the extension of the full penny sales tax levy through 2057, as approved by the Georgia General Assembly in 2015. Execution of the resolution requires three of the four jurisdictions approve the resolution.

Adoption of the 15th amendment is necessary for MARTA to maintain the current service levels and capital program, including rehabilitation of all 38 rail stations and purchase of 254 new railcars, by extending long-term bonding capacity. The amendment also enables the authority to move forward with expansion projects in Atlanta and Clayton County and continue planning for expansion in Fulton and DeKalb counties.

“Our board understands the complex nature of this amendment and has voted to ensure that MARTA maintains and can improve our current level of service and maintenance, while moving ahead with our expansion plans,” said MARTA General Manager and CEO Jeffrey Parker. “We have engaged in extensive conversations with our jurisdictional partners and believe that they will approve the amendment which ensures the long-term viability of the system.”

Following today’s Board vote, MARTA will send a letter to the jurisdictions asking them to approve the amendment within 60 days.