Resolution text:

"WHEREAS, the coastal area region of this state is seeing massive multibillion dollar investments in industrial growth with the construction of the Hyundai Motors North American MetaPlant and its affiliated suppliers and support facilities; and  

WHEREAS, this increased level of activity alone will ultimately create more than 15,000 new jobs and will bring new residents to Bryan, Bulloch, Chatham, and Effingham counties and their surrounding areas; and  

WHEREAS, to this growth must be added expansions at Gulfstream Aerospace, Amazon, and the Georgia Ports Authority, among others, as well as a dynamic, transitioning marketplace; and  

WHEREAS, it is projected that the most immediately impacted areas of this growth will be within a 60 mile radius of the Bryan County Mega Site and in Chatham County directly; and 

WHEREAS, there is a critical shortage of affordable housing for an ever-growing workforce and these areas need a unified system of regional, integrated, and comprehensive transportation and mobility services and infrastructure in order for this area to maximize economic benefits; and  

WHEREAS, housing options and expanded mobility options require consideration and communication among the residents, cities, and new employment centers; and  

WHEREAS, it is important to study and assess the needs for and means of providing a viable and adequate transportation and mobility network and system to connect new and existing residential communities to employment growth centers so as to provide a functional, reliable, and affordable service that allows these employees to report to work on a daily basis; and  

WHEREAS, such study should include an analysis of strategies and partnerships for the funding of such a transportation and mobility services and develop a blueprint for the development, improvement, and expansion of such network and system; and  

WHEREAS, this study will also reflect the foundation of the "Coastal Empire Plan" work recently completed by the Georgia Department of Transportation, as well as the "Savannah JDA Workforce Development Plan"; and

WHEREAS, it is important that such study further emphasize efficiency and coordination to improve workforce mobility in this region; and  

WHEREAS, such study is necessary to develop a unified regional structure to meet these new transportation challenges, along with determining strategies and partnerships for funding the operation of such necessary mobility services, improvements, and facilities. 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:  

Creation of House study committee. There is created the House Coastal Area Regional Workforce Mobility and Connectivity Study Committee."