FROM GEORGIA EMC

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The Peach State has grown to more than 9.7 million residents -- the ninth most populous state in the country -- and the increased demand on the state's infrastructure has been exacerbated as the economic downturn has forced dramatic reductions in revenues. Thus, funding for functions of state and local government has likewise experienced significant cuts.

And since Georgia's population is projected to grow by 4.6 million people between 2010 and 2030, congestion, connectivity and safety are transportation challenges that most citizens agree need to be addressed.

Our elected representatives in the General Assembly crafted the Transportation Investment Act of 2010 to provide a public process for each region to develop its own list of transportation infrastructure priorities, and to allow each region's voters to decide if they believe the projects planned for their region are worth the extra penny in sales taxes.

This month's feature regarding the July 31 TSPLOST referendum provides readers background on this unprecedented regional ballot initiative and offers resources for readers to further educate themselves in preparation for casting their ballot in their home regions of Georgia. Remember, if your summer schedule won't allow you to go to your local polling precinct July 31, please check with your county registrar or visit sos.ga.gov/MVP2/logon.aspx for information online about early voting and absentee ballots.

Bill Verner
Vice President, GEMC External Affairs

Editor's note: With this issue, we have changed the location of our Calendar of Events column. Look for it on page 34 this issue.

Be sure to check out this month's BONUS Web exclusive content, including:

• 9A—More about Moen
• 9C—Learn about the HGTV Green Home
• 20-1—Where to stay and eat in Albany
• 27A—Electrical safety
• 27B—May's online trivia contest
• 33A—Second helping: Cheese, plus more recipes
• 38A—Bonus Snapshot submissions
• 38B—Liberty notes; Plant of the month

ON THE COVER THIS MONTH:

Georgia residents in 12 regions will make a big decision with the referendum vote, July 31, 2012, on TSPLOST (transportation special local option sales tax), when they decide on their areas' needs and goals. (Georgia map painting by Trevor Hawkins; design collage by Trudie Thibodeaux.)