Dacula Patch columnist and blogger Jimmy Orr has been named to the newly-created Gwinnett County Policy Advisory Committee for the I-85 Alternative Analysis Study.

The committee was created to assist with a study of transit alternatives for the I-85 corridor. Orr, who will represent district 3, indicated he is prepared to go to work.

“I will give whatever goals the committee is expected to meet my absolute best and will do so without prejudice,” Orr wrote in an email to Dacula Patch.

According to a county press release, Orr and the other citizens on the committee will work with county staff and consultants to provide advice and feedback before the draft final study documents are presented for consideration by the Board of Commissioners.

“In combination with community forums and other public events, this committee is aimed at facilitating a successful planning process and improved transportation to benefit many generations to come,” said Gwinnett’s Acting Transportation Director Kim Conroy in a released statement.

Atkins North America, Inc., a national transit planning and engineering firm with offices in Atlanta, will lead the study. As part of the study, transit options including express bus, heavy rail, light rail, commuter rail and bus rapid transit will be evaluated.

“The plan includes specific community outreach goals to give the public a voice in decisions that will affect their travel patterns and how public dollars are spent,” Conroy said.

Commission Chairman Charlotte Nash encouraged citizens to stay informed and engaged in the effort to help find sustainable transportation solutions.

“We must support the continued economic viability of this vital corridor and meet the needs of residents, employees and businesses that use it,” she said.

Other partners in the transit study include the Gwinnett Place and Gwinnett Village Community Improvement Districts and the Federal Transit Administration.