Atlanta City Council President Mitchell calls for GDOT to change storage policies

Atlanta City Council President Ceasar Mitchell is calling for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to change its storage policies.

Mitchell is requesting that GDOT immediately refrain from storing any unsupervised materials and equipment under state-owned bridges located within the city of Atlanta.

Council President is proposing a resolution that urges GDOT to: (1) assess its current practices of storing materials and equipment under bridges and overpasses, (2) inspect all materials and equipment currently being stored for safety concerns, (3) remove all materials and equipment currently being stored, and (4) prohibit the practices of storing materials under bridges and overpasses within the city limits in the future.

Mitchell is also asking that GDOT brief the Atlanta City Council at their next meeting on April 17 regarding the agencies current storage policies, the details leading up to the fire and the plan of action going forward.

“I support the efforts being made by GDOT to adapt to this temporary challenge.  This incident has served as an opportunity for long overdue discussions about our transportation infrastructure and provides a real chance for government officials to be open and transparent with our decision making, not make decisions behind closed doors.  Residents have a right to know what is being done and what fixes are being implemented,” said Mitchell.

Mitchell will introduce the resolution to GDOT at the next City Council meeting on April 17, 2017.