Cambridge Systematics, Inc. Wins Georgia Statewide Freight & Logistics Plan Contract
(March 23, 2010)
Cambridge Systematics, Inc. was recently awarded a contract to conduct the Georgia Statewide Freight & Logistics Plan 2010–2050. Cambridge Systematics will lead this effort with a team of consulting firms comprised of freight and transportation policy experts based in Atlanta and Savannah.
Developing an Actionable Freight Strategy
The goal of the Georgia Statewide Freight & Logistics Plan 2010-2050 is to ensure that Georgia’s transportation system is in balance with the demand for freight and logistics. The plan will focus on the following outcomes:
- Developing a process for fully integrating freight planning into the planning process at the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT).
- Identifying specific programs and projects that will improve freight traffic. These projects will be prioritized and sequenced, so it is clear what needs to be done and when.
- Identifying the economic benefits of implementing the freight plan for both the private sector and the general public.
- Generating support from a broad set of stakeholders regarding the plan’s recommendations.
Partnering with GDOT and the Georgia Department of Economic Development
This plan continues the work of the Governor’s Commission for a New Georgia (CNG) Freight & Logistics Task Force. As stated by Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue, “The logistics industry is one of Georgia’s most important economic engines and will continue to be a centerpiece for the state’s continued growth in the coming decades if we make strategic investments in our transportation network.”
Freight and logistics is a critical component in Georgia’s economy and transportation network. The logistics industry in Georgia makes up 18 percent of the State’s gross state product (GSP), employing 110,000 Georgians and generating more than $50 billion in sales annually. Georgia is home to 22 freight railroads, the fastest growing port in the country, and the 11th busiest cargo airport in the nation. Cambridge Systematics will work closely with the Georgia Department of Economic Development to develop a plan that is consistent with the State’s broader economic development goals.
Commissioner Ken Stewart of the Georgia Department of Economic Development stated “This new plan, while obviously important for infrastructure and transportation planning, will also serve as a unique economic development tool that we will use to help market Georgia, and attract and grow jobs and investment to our state. We are very pleased to have our Center of Innovation for Logistics involved both in leading the CNG task-force and collaborating to help move the plan’s creation forward.”
The Freight & Logistics Plan will be linked to other major planning and strategy efforts at GDOT such as Investing in Tomorrow’s Transportation Today (IT3) initiative and the next update of the GDOT Statewide Transportation Plan. GDOT Planning Commissioner Todd Long stated that “a strategic approach is needed to guide thoughtful, well-planned transportation investments to accommodate freight growth and logistics needs statewide.” Long explains that the new freight plan, which is closely connected to the broader statewide transportation plan under development, “is the kind of policy level, industry-driven strategy we need to keep our competitive logistics edge all over Georgia.”
About Cambridge Systematics, Inc.
Cambridge Systematics specializes in transportation and is a recognized leader in the development of innovative freight policy and planning solutions, objective analysis and technology applications. Further information can be found at www.camsys.com.
For additional information, contact Dike Ahanotu at (404) 460-2601.