Georgia General Assembly

09/30/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/30/2024 12:57

Rep. Mesha Mainor, The Five Mile Project to Hold Press Conference Addressing Historical Discrimination and Environmental Injustice in African American Communities Along West[...]

ATLANTA - State Representative Mesha Mainor (R-Atlanta), along with the Five Mile Project (5MP), will hold a press conference to address environmental and health concerns among African American communities living along the west corridor of I-20 in Atlanta on Tuesday, October 7, 2024, at 9 a.m. at the intersection of Gordan Terrace S.W. and Racine Street S.W. in Atlanta, Georgia.

"The press conference will highlight the ongoing environmental disparities caused by highway noise pollution and the historical discrimination from the 1960s when I-20 was routed through predominantly African American neighborhoods," said Rep. Mainor. "Residents of these communities experience higher rates of high blood pressure, heart disease and cognitive impairments in children, as confirmed by studies from organizations like the World Health Organization and the Fulton County Health Department. The construction of Type II noise barriers along I-20 can rectify historical injustices and create a healthier and more equitable environment for Atlanta's marginalized communities."

During the press conference, a letter sent to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and the Georgia Department of Transportation will be presented to the public during the press cortège urging for the immediate installation of sound barriers along the 1-20 corridor from Hill Street to Holmes Street.

Speakers include: Keith Palmer and Mia Pennington, co-founders of the 5MP, local community leaders, health experts, impacted residents of the I-20 West corridor and state, local and federal leaders.

WHO: Rep. Mesha Mainor (R-Atlanta)

WHAT: Press Conference

WHEN: Tuesday, October 7, 2024

9 a.m.

WHERE: Intersection of Gordan Terrace S.W. and Racine Street S.W.

Atlanta, GA 30314

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