The South Fulton Community Improvement District (South Fulton CID), with its significant warehousing and the Fairburn CSX Intermodal Facility, isn’t just a part of Georgia’s economy; it’s a driving force. Its growth has been fueled by direct access to the Port of Savannah, the single largest and fastest-growing container port in the U.S. Recognizing this connection, the South Fulton CID brought together a group of local business and civic leaders from the South Fulton area to tour the Port of Savannah and strengthen our understanding of the link between these two economic centers.

The visit began with a networking dinner in Savannah, bringing together CID board members, city representatives, and logistics partners. Discussions focused on strategies to enhance the district’s logistics capabilities.

During the tour led by Stacy Watson, the Georgia Ports Authority’s (GPA) Director of Economic & Industrial Development, attendees got an up-close view of the port’s operations. Here’s a snapshot of what we learned:

• The Port of Savannah is the main port gateway for the Southeast region and the fourth busiest port in the U.S., handling just over 9 percent of total U.S. containerized cargo volume.
• The port is strategically located to reach 37.2 million residents and 11 major metro areas within a 300-mile radius, making it an indispensable link in the region’s supply chain.
• It handles an impressive 4.2 million containers each year. Many of these containers are loaded onto trains and sent directly to the CSX Intermodal Facility in Fairburn, Ga. and nearby warehouses.
• Spanning 10,000 feet, the port can accommodate several ships simultaneously, boosting its cargo handling efficiency and capacity for international trade.
• Additional projects either underway or recently completed, including the Mid-American Arc initiative and the International Multimodal Connector, are expanding the port’s reach, with inland rail connections to other major Southeastern markets.

By taking the tour, the South Fulton CID and the area’s business community got a clear picture of how we fit into Georgia and the Southeast’s economic puzzle. The insights gained are expected to inform future strategies and actions within South Fulton’s own expansive logistics network, with the shared goal of enhancing the efficiency and economic vitality of the greater Atlanta region.

South Fulton commuters headed to work in Atlanta along SR-74 can use the Fairburn Park & Ride to share rides and connect with MARTA bus route 188.

Commuters along SR-74 and employees working for businesses in the South Fulton area now enjoy enhanced access to convenient travel options, all thanks to the Fairburn Park & Ride. Established through a collaborative effort between the City of Fairburn and The South Fulton Community Improvement District (South Fulton CID) in 2020, this commuter-friendly facility offers a game-changing solution for daily commuters, including carpools, vanpools, and MARTA Route 188 riders. Located at 8100 Senoia Road in Fairburn, this 200-space park and ride lot is accessible 24/7, making it easy for commuters to share rides and reduce the number of vehicles on the road.

The Fairburn Park & Ride includes:

• 200 parking spaces, including several spaces equipped to support Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging and handicap parking.
• Convenient proximity to the SR 74 and I-85 Interchange
• Pickup for MARTA Route 188, which covers Oakley Industrial Boulevard and provides direct service to and from MARTA’s College Park station.

Investing in Commuter Solutions to Tackle Congestion in South Fulton

The Fairburn Park & Ride was strategically established ahead of the I-85 and SR 74 interchange reconstruction project. By encouraging ridesharing and providing a reliable transportation choice, the Park & Ride aims to minimize the expected congestion during this major infrastructure upgrade.

The Park & Ride project was one of many recent infrastructure investments made possibly through the South Fulton CID, which includes self-taxing area property owners who fund similar transportation projects that fill transportation gaps and advance the area’s transportation network. Learn more about the South Fulton CID here.

This summer the South Fulton Community Improvement District (CID) and the City of Fairburn hosted a first-of-its-kind carpool community event that’s generating quite a buzz around the Fairburn Park & Ride commuter lot.

On Friday, August 4^th, nearby residents and commuters of Fairburn, Union City, Fayetteville, Peachtree City, and Tyrone who drive along the SR 74 corridor were invited to carpool with their family, friends, and neighbors to attend the Park & Watch movie night.

More than 160 residents gathered at the Park & Ride to enjoy food, outdoor games, an Imagination Transportation Chalk competition, and family-friendly activities before a full showing of Disney Pixar’s award-winning animated film, Soul. Thanks to our partners and area businesses for helping make this event a success: Smokin’ Aces BBQ, Sweet to the T Cheesecake desserts, Pretty Little Tacos, Kona Ice, and the Fairburn Fire Department. Extra special thanks to Swing Atlanta Miniature Golf for gifting a prize pack to our chalk competition winners, and to Lovely Bodies Gym for giving over 70 backpacks and school supplies to elementary, middle and high school students in attendance.

We also thank our public officials, including the City of Fairburn’s Mayor Mario Avery, Mayor Pro Tem Linda J. Davis, Councilwoman Hattie Portis-Jones, and District 67 State Representative Lydia Glaize, for their participation and welcoming event attendees.

The City of Fairburn partnered with the South Fulton CID to create the Fairburn Park & Ride, which opened in 2020. The commuter lot features 200 parking spaces available for carpool, vanpool, and MARTA bus commuters. Learn more about the lot here.

NOTICE IS GIVEN as provided in the FULTON COUNTY COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS ACT, approved April 3, 1987 (Ga. L. 1987, p. 5460) as amended, that a Caucus of Electors of the South Fulton Community Improvement District (“CID”) shall be held on September 22, 2023, at US Foods, 7950 Spence Rd., Fairburn, GA 30213. The purpose of the Caucus is to elect a Board member to Post 6 on the CID Board. Registration for the election shall be held from 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Voting will occur immediately thereafter. A map of said District is on file with the Clerk of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners. All Electors as designated under the Act are invited to attend and cast their votes.