CAT Seeking Legislative Help in Response to SPLOST Shun

Jan. 11, 2026 – Chatham Area Transit (CAT) officials say the agency is facing a significant funding crisis that threatens its ability to maintain operations and expand service to meet growing regional demand. The crisis, they say, stems largely from CAT’s exclusion from the most recent Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) referendum, which cut off a critical source of capital funding the authority has historically relied on for major investments.

The Chatham County Commission’s decision last year to exclude CAT from receiving funds from the next SPLOST was repeatedly raised by CAT officials during a special called meeting last week, held while the board interviewed potential lobbying firms. SPLOST revenue has traditionally been used for capital needs such as bus replacements, bus stop improvements, and maintenance facilities.

“This authority was left out of the SPLOST program, so capital funding is really going to be tight,” said board member Bert Brantley. “We really need to look for assistance.”

CAT’s current funding structure relies heavily on a millage-based transit tax district that covers only portions of Chatham County, a model board members described as both inequitable and insufficient. Unlike other transit systems that benefit from broader regional funding mechanisms, CAT’s transit tax is collected only in areas that approved participation by referendum, including the entire city of Savannah, some unincorporated areas of Chatham County, and a portion of Garden City.

During the meeting, board members emphasized that resolving the funding shortfall will require creative legislative solutions and sustained advocacy at the state level. CAT leadership expressed particular interest in the Athens-Clarke County model, which uses a fractional Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (T-SPLOST) to fund both capital improvements and operating expenses. Board members suggested a similar approach could provide a more stable and comprehensive funding mechanism than CAT’s current millage-based system.

“We’re looking for some creativity — some help in terms of how, either locally or in partnership with the state, we fill the void and make sure our fleet is upgraded and up to speed,” Brantley said.

In addition to funding concerns, board members stressed the importance of ensuring CAT has a stronger voice in statewide transportation policy conversations. While MARTA often dominates transit discussions in Georgia, board members noted that CAT provides unique services — including ferry operations — that serve as critical transportation links for the Savannah region.

The lobbying firm ultimately selected by CAT will be tasked with monitoring legislation affecting transit statewide, advocating for CAT’s inclusion in funding discussions, identifying grant opportunities through the Georgia Department of Transportation and other state agencies, and cultivating relationships with legislative leaders who could champion transit funding initiatives. With the General Assembly session set to begin and the state holding significant reserve funds, board members noted there may be near-term opportunities for capital appropriations that would require immediate and skilled advocacy.

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