The brainchild of newly elected Sen. David Shafer (R-Duluth), the "Northern Network" is a proposed new "Developmental Highway" which Shafer defines as "the existing system of highways and roads in and about Gwinnett, Forsyth and Cherokee counties" and would include Highways 9, 20, 120, 141, 316 and 400. In Senate Bill 553, Shafer has proposed striking the Northern Arc from the Developmental Highway System and inserting the "Northern Network" in its place.

By designating the "Northern Network" as a Developmental Highway, Shafer's bill would make the already overburdened roads of Gwinnett and Forsyth eligible for additional state aid without the constitutional pitfalls of the Paul bill. Shafer's bill stops the Arc but doesn't jeopardize the transportation needs of the growing counties north of Atlanta.

Representative Renee Unterman (R-Loganville) has introduced Shafer's Northern Network legislation in the House as House Bill 1717. Representative Tom Knox (R-Cumming), who had previously introduced a House version of Paul's unconstitutional Senate bill, has signed the new proposal.

Click here for the full article