Georgia DOT Announces Selection of Firm for Negotiation for MMPT

March 16,2011

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is pleased to announce that the team of Forest City/Cousins/INTEGRAL has been selected for the purpose of initiating negotiations with GDOT for the Master Developer contract for the Atlanta Downtown Multi-Modal Passenger Terminal (MMPT). The major technical subconsultants for the selected team include FX FOWLE, Kimley-Horn, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Cooper Carry, and Urban Collage.

Proposing teams were shortlisted by representatives from each of the partner organizations, including MARTA, the City of Atlanta, The Atlanta Regional Commission, the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA), and Central Atlanta Progress/Atlanta Downtown Improvement District. Technical advisors from each organization provided a discipline-oriented review of the proposals to the final evaluation committee, which was comprised of GDOT staff.

“This truly is a collaborative effort between GDOT and our partners,” said Commissioner Vance C. Smith, Jr. “All three of the proposer teams are exceptional and the evaluation committee’s task of selecting the most qualified is not easy.” GDOT and its partner organizations expect to complete the negotiation and approval process and have a Master Developer Team under contract by mid-summer 2011.

This announcement also initiates the public comment period for the review of the executive summaries for each proposal. A public hearing will be held on Wednesday, March 30, 2011 from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at GDOT headquarters. Instructions for commenting via the web or in person at the public hearing, as well asviewing the executive summaries, can be located at www.GeorgiaP3.com.

The Atlanta MMPT will serve as the hub for existing and proposed transportation networks serving metro-Atlanta and beyond, including MARTA rail and bus systems, regional express bus systems and the Georgia railroad network. It may also accommodate future transportation, including high speed rail, light rail and streetcar services. In addition to its transportation functions, the MMPT will serve as a catalyst for one of the largest Transit Oriented Development (TOD) projects in the US to include commercial, recreational and residential mixed-use development.

The Georgia Department of Transportation is committed to providing a safe, seamless and sustainable transportation system that supports Georgia’s economy and is sensitive to both its citizens and its environment. Additional transportation revenues are imperative to grow and sustain Georgia's economic vitality and quality of life through the 21st Century. Georgia is the 3rd fastest-growing state in the nation, yet 49th in per capita spending on transportation. For general information on the Georgia DOT, please visit (www.dot.ga.gov).