Background
The MSCID Freight Cluster Plan (FCP) is being carried out as a part of the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) Freight Cluster Plan program. ARC’s program focuses on facilitating efficient freight movement, improving access to jobs, reducing traffic congestion, addressing changes in the freight industry, and improving safety, mobility and access for all roadway users.
The study area includes the MSCID boundary and major truck corridors that feed into and out of the MSCID limits. Also included are freight distribution and warehousing areas that are within a half-mile radius of MSCID’s boundaries, as shown below. This area, nicknamed “Truckers Alley”, is a major access point for industrial trucks entering into and leaving the MSCID.
Click the image to enlarge.
The MSCID Freight Cluster Plan will specifically accomplish the following:
- Identify and program transportation improvements specific to freight
- Promote efficient transportation solutions
- Identify land uses and target industries that support compatible future growth and development
- Engage the private sector and surrounding community
- Promote economic development
See the June 2022 report here.
***This link above is restricted access.
[This is a link to the presentation Larry presented on June 2, 2022. We may be able to use the table on Page 4 showing the status of all deliverables in the copy here or at the beginning as the Current Status at the start.]
MSCID Freight Cluster Plan – Project Management Plan
Funding
This Freight Cluster Plan was 80% funded with Federal monies administered by the ARC and paid to the MSCID for managing the plan. The MSCID provided local matching funds for the remaining 20%.
Timeline
The Plan is scheduled for adoption by the MSCID in March 2022 followed up by adoption by the DeKalb County. Please see the project schedule for the tentative planning timeline.
MSCID has had various forums to engage MSCID members, area freight stakeholders, and the broader community in and around the study area in July and November 2021. The public forums were informational and provided attendees with the opportunity to ask questions and obtain feedback from the study team.
Input surveys to address various stakeholders like truck drivers, area businesses and residents as well as a plan priorities survey took place in X.
A steering committee that represents a broad range of MSCID stakeholder perspectives, including property owners, local governments, freight providers and multiple businesses, oversees the project and serves as champions for the plan process. The three Steering Committee Meetings have already occurred, but you can see the recordings of them here:
Steering Committee Meetings
- Meeting 1 (March 2021): https://youtu.be/LnZ9fCzYcUM
- Steering Committee Meeting 1 Summary
- Meeting 2 (July 2021): https://youtu.be/QjyZeeqKzr4
- Steering Committee Meeting 2 Summary
- Meeting 3 (January 2022): https://youtu.be/spDOn9d0CoI
- Steering Committee Meeting 3 PowerPoint
June 3, 2022: Executive Director Larry Kaiser delivered a presentation to the Atlanta Regional Commission. Click here to view the presentation that provides an overview of the project status, recommended work program and next steps.
Questions should be directed to the project team at info@bluecypress-consulting.com.
[When this study is over, an overall synopsis of the findings under the introductory paragraph as well as its continued maintenance by DeKalb County and links to its new home would be a good idea.]