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Rural Consultation Practices
Georgia Project Targets Rural Transportation Improvements

In a unique partnership with the state department of transportation, the sixteen regional development centers in Georgia are embarking on a number of innovative initiatives to help improve the state’s rural transportation system.

With a general focus on improving the statewide planning process, each regional development center (RDC) is tasked with delivering and coordinating a diverse set of programs, ranging from enhancing local official and public input to data collection to historic preservation.

To carry out the required functions, the Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) provides each RDC between $90,000 and $190,000 annually depending on the service delivery area. Each region must provide a 20 percent local match.

According to Vernon Martin, Executive Director of the Coastal Georgia RDC, “About four years ago, we initiated a dialogue with state transportation officials about ways the RDCs could help enhance the planning process. After studying several models from other states, the state decided to accept our offer. The result is a partnership that produces more local input, improved data collection and stronger planning.”

Recognizing the value of accurate data in the planning process, each RDC has implemented a program to use advanced satellite technology to map road centerlines within one meter. As an end result, the state DOT and the public will now have access to a powerful GIS database that includes detailed and accurate information about each road and transportation facility, such as the name of the road, the quality of the road based on a scale of zero to five, the number of lanes in the road and the county where the road is located.

While the initial phase required significant time and resources, future efforts to make additions and updates have been made easier since the data is now in digital form. More importantly, all of the maps and data can now be posted on the Internet.

RDCs are also assisting in outreach programs to local governments and other interested parties to ensure maximum input in the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The Coastal Georgia RDC, for example, held two all-day seminars in the region to educate local officials about services and opportunities available under the state transportation program, including bicycle and pedestrian enhancements, scenic byways and projects funded under the federal TEA-21 program. Over 75 local officials participated in the workshops.

RDCs also develop maps of under-represented communities using a variety of census indicators. These communities are then specifically targeted for participation in the annual update of STIP.

According to Marta Rosen, State Transportation Planning Administrator for the Georgia DOT, “After our first year of the RDC contract, we’ve found that public input into the STIP and communicating with local communities is much more effective.” Rosen also noted that GIS data can now be updated annually, instead of the previous four year timeframe.

Martin and Rosen both agreed that the extra communications link available through the RDCs has helped the state advance its planning goals, such as developing a more robust bicycle and pedestrian planning program, and identifying local challenges and needs.

The RDCs are also proving to be valuable resources for the state DOT on historic preservation and land use issues. In addition to assisting the state in evaluating the potential impact of transportation projects on historic sites, the RDCs are helping state transportation officials reach out to individuals and groups with an interest in historic preservation during environmental reviews.

Several RDCs also collect and forward data to the state on local development approvals, amendments to local development codes and comprehensive plans, and land that may be available for environmental mitigation.

“The RDCs knowledge of aspects like historic preservation and land use have been a tremendous asset,” according to Cindy VanDyke, Assistant State Transportation Planning Administrator. “The GIS services, including quarterly trouble-shooting meetings, are helping streamline our planning practices.”

For more information, contact Vernon Martin of the Coastal Georgia RDC at (912) 264-7363; Marta Rosen of the Georgia DOT at (404) 657-5226; or Cindy VanDyke of the Georgia DOT at (404) 657-6696.


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