- PCIDs assist in accelerating, providing seed money and building needed infrastructure projects that local and state governments cannot afford. Projects are based on a business case for investment that will produce the best return for the economy and quality of life in Perimeter.
- The Perimeter CIDs and their partners are making a difference in the lives of workers, residents and visitors in the Perimeter area with these transportation improvements to improve connectivity and access.
- PCIDs provide a solid return on investment for their funds that are matched by their local and state governments.
- PCID dollars can only be used for certain purposes as indicated by their individual State Legislation and local agreements.
- PCIDs tax is a self-imposed additional commercial property tax paid voluntarily by commercial property owners, not residents.
- PCIDs access matching funds from governments from specified accounts budgeted for the purpose of keeping safe, efficient roads and transit alternatives.
- Perimeter businesses employ approximately 100,000 people.
PERIMETER A ‘GREAT PLACE TO WORK, PLAY, LIVE’ BECAUSE OF CIDS’ IMPROVEMENTS, ISAKSON SAYS
During the past decade, the Perimeter Community Improvement Districts have brought transportation improvements and connectivity to the Perimeter area that are making it a great place to work, play and live, U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., told more than 100 business leaders and elected officials at a PCIDs’ Roundtable Luncheon today (Jan. 29) at Cox Enterprises.
The Perimeter CIDs host the luncheons periodically to give Perimeter area leaders the opportunity to hear presentations by important speakers on critical current issues that impact the region and state.
“What the CIDs have done in a decade is marvelous,” said Isakson. “At one time you couldn’t get across this area very well.”
Isakson also commended Cox Enterprises for “taking the initiative to expand investment in Perimeter.”
In one of the most significant new office construction projects in Metro Atlanta in the last couple of years, the company announced it will begin construction this year on a 600,000 square-foot-office building near Perimeter Mall to house 1,000 employees.
Isakson predicted the federal transportation SAFETEA-LU, the acronym for Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act, will be extended in May at its current levels until after the November elections. The senator also said a new funding matrix is needed for transportation today to replace the user fees, which originated under the Eisenhower Administration.
“We have a changing dynamic. Autos are more efficient and green today,” said Isakson, who noted that he drives a hybrid car that gets 34 miles per gallon. “The problem is that our revenue system is based on consumption of gas. We need a new matrix that deals with the future of America, not the past.
“Toll roads, HOV lanes, privatization, and vehicles miles traveled are all models that have been proposed for consideration. The existing gas tax model doesn’t work anymore,” Isakson said.
He called the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) “one of the best ways to raise money for infrastructure,” noting that voters have approved most of the SPLOST referendums in Georgia.
“Transportation is a federal, state and local partnership. We all have to be a player,” Isakson said.
“When the economy comes back, traffic will be worse than what is was. There must be improvements to stay ahead of the game in the metro Atlanta region and throughout our state.”