FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 2021
MARTA WILL OFFER KEY
PARCEL FOR “FINDING THE FLINT”
Transit Authority Supports
Innovative Conservation Program for Flint River
ATLANTA – The
Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) Board of Directors
Planning and Capital Programs Committee today authorized the sale of a
7.25-acre parcel of land at the headwaters of the Flint River to the City of
College Park to create the City’s first nature preserve and outdoor classroom.
The Flint River is
Georgia’s second longest river, but often overlooked and forgotten in metro
Atlanta as the headwaters of the Flint River have largely been piped and buried
to make way for urban development. Dating back to 1909 when Asa Candler used
the flat, swampy area to develop a racetrack that subsequently became the site
of the municipal airport, which today is known to travelers from all over the
world as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
“The Conservation Fund and all of the partners
and stakeholders of the Finding the
Flint coalition are delighted to have MARTA join the
effort by collaborating on this critical property at the headwaters
of the Flint River and advancing our efforts to raise visibility and
interest in protecting and conserving this amazing watershed,” said Stacy
Funderburke, The Conservation Fund’s Georgia/Alabama Associate State Director.
“We believe that the hidden headwaters of the Flint River can be restored
ecologically and transformed into a community amenity.”
College Park Mayor Bianca Motley Broom added, “MARTA’s willingness
to allow us to develop this parcel into a lush greenspace
is another step toward building the community we deserve. It is a win not only
for College Park but for the entire region. We are excited to advance this
project closer to fruition.”
“MARTA believes that the mission of Finding the Flint and the
mission of MARTA are absolutely complementary,” said MARTA General Manager and
CEO Jeffrey Parker. “From reducing flooded streets which can sometimes impact
the reliability of our bus service to helping people have additional routes for
walking and cycling in the area, MARTA is pleased to be able to contribute in
this way.”
The Headwaters Nature Preserve is the northernmost priority
project, as illustrated here:
The parcel runs from Willingham Drive in College Park to Elm
Street in East point in South Fulton County. The headwaters of the Flint River
flow along Willingham Drive from the East Point and College Park rail stations
to the airport.
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