With an eye toward the long-term economic vitality of our region, the Development Authority of Bainbridge and Decatur County wants to publicly express its support for the upcoming local one-penny transportation sales tax increase.

After much discussion, the Development Authority board has recognized that the T-SPLOST is an important investment in our local and regional transportation system. We also realize there is no practical alternative, should the T-SPLOST fail. If we do not support the T-SPLOST, our current roads funding will not remain as it is now, but will instead be reduced.

Roads, more than any other form of infrastructure, require regular maintenance and upkeep. If funding is reduced, then it follows that maintenance will be reduced. At some point, local governments will have to come up with the funds to maintain these roads. The T-SPLOST provides funding to maintain roads, as well as funding to complete projects that will help bring economic opportunity to our region.

Supporting a tax increase, even a temporary tax increase, is not an easy position to take. Looking to the economic vitality of our region, and the lack of any practical alternative, we support the T-SPLOST.

Rick McCaskill,

Executive Director of the Development Authority of Bainbridge and Decatur County