Rep. Brent Cox Calls on GDOT to Establish Study Committee on Gainesville Inland Port Impact

ATLANTA - State Representative Brent Cox (R-Dawsonville) today formally requests that the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) establish a study committee to examine the potential impacts of the proposed Inland Port of Gainesville, Georgia, known as the Blue Ridge Connector, on surrounding counties, including Hall, Forsyth, Jackson, Dawson and Lumpkin.

Rep. Cox emphasizes the importance of understanding how this major logistics project will affect transportation systems and communities across North Georgia.

"Unlike our inland port in Northwest Georgia, this new site is surrounded by a much greater population density," said Rep. Cox. "We must ensure our public that the existing infrastructure in these communities can handle the increased truck traffic and freight movement that will come with this project. Our citizens deserve a clear assessment and proactive planning to protect their roads, safety and quality of life."

"I support this initiative and commend Representative Cox for his foresight," said House Transportation Committee Chairman Rick Jasperse (R-Jasper). "The Gainesville Inland Port represents an exciting economic opportunity for North Georgia, but we must be deliberate in ensuring our infrastructure keeps pace with growth. This study is an important step in that direction."

Rep. Cox highlights that the proposed GDOT study committee would bring together transportation officials, local leaders and industry experts to analyze freight traffic, infrastructure capacity, road safety and long-term transportation needs associated with the Gainesville Inland Port. He also notes that the findings would help guide both state and local planning efforts to ensure that infrastructure investments align with economic growth.

"We all want to see our region thrive - but growth must be smart, coordinated and sustainable," added Rep. Cox. "By partnering with GDOT and our local communities, we can plan for success while preserving the quality of life that makes North Georgia such a great place to live."

Representative Brent Cox represents the citizens of District 28, which includes portions of Forsyth and Hall counties. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2022 and currently serves as Secretary of the Technology and Infrastructure Innovation Committee. He also serves on the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, Education and Transportation committees.

Representative Rick Jasperse represents the citizens of District 11, which includes Pickens County, as well as portions of Cherokee and Forsyth counties. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves as Chairman of the Transportation Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education, Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, Education, Health, Public Safety and Homeland Security, Regulated Industries and Rules committees.

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