Apr 25, 2011

Foundry Park Inn Ballroom and The Melting Point 295 East Dougherty Street Athens, GA 30601

Rail Advocates Announce “Rebuild Georgia Railroad” Events in Athens, GA

Jim Hightower to Speak at 7pm inside The Melting Point
Public Forum at 6pm inside the Melting Point
Volunteer Work Session at 5pm inside the Foundry Inn Ballroom

Athens, GA- Freight and passenger rail supporters have set a series of events to push for rebuilding railroads in Northeast Georgia and across the state. Public demand for high speed rail is on the rise due to increased environmental awareness and high gas prices. Productive engagement countering the status quo of unsustainable transportation will be at the top of the agenda.

“We envision a world where our economic reality is no longer predetermined by the price on a barrel of oil.”, says Carlton Segrest, chairman of TSPLOST 2012, a state political committee dedicated to regional funding of rail projects in the state of Georgia. “Delaying sustainable transportation will only drive up the cost of living while continuing to take a toll on families already battered by the current financial crisis.”

Rail advocates believe a vital, policy-centered public dialogue is critical in a state stymied by traffic jams and high fuel cost.

“How much longer can GA families afford to pay $4 dollars for a gallon of gas?”, says Russell Edwards, discussion leader of the public forum scheduled as part of the days events. “The time to fight for passenger rail is now.”

Jim Hightower- a noted populist, consumer advocate and political humorist- will be the featured speaker at the 7pm “Hightower Hour” hosted by Tim Bryant, a radio news director and local talk show host.

Russell Edwards will lead a 6pm public forum featuring Gordon Kenna and Jack Crowley. Kenna is one of Georgia’s leading high speed rail advocates. Crowley is a rail planner and professor at the University of Georgia’s College of Environment and Design.

Carlton Segrest will conduct a 5pm work session for volunteers inside the Foundry Inn Ballroom.

Volunteers will receive priority seating at the public forum “Hightower Hour” hosted by Tim Bryant. Foundry Inn Executive Chef Martin Smetana will prepare a meal for the volunteers made from local produce, breads, meats and cheese.

The general public can RSVP for the 1-hour work session by sending an e-mail to [email protected]

All of the events are free and open to the public.