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Interview with Frank Barron, July 7, 2016

Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia
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00:00:29 - Economic effects of highway construction

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Partial Transcript: I think what I would like to say is...

Segment Synopsis: Frank Barron talks about Coca-Cola's incentive to create interstate I-75 as the idea was inspired by both the community economic impact and the opportunities for an increase in the company's transportation. Barron expands on this point through his explanation of the varying effects of an interstate on nearby communities. Barron talks about the creation I-75 in Valdosta, Georgia which led to an economic boom in the area and an economic fall in neighboring towns.

Keywords: Coca-Cola; Publix; Valdosta, Georgia

00:07:39 - Economic boost (cont.) / Challenges of I-75 construction

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Partial Transcript: The argument against an interstate coming through your little town...

Segment Synopsis: Barron talks about how the inevitable construction of interstates around the Atlanta metropolitan area was contested among nearby towns. Barron explains that eventually, the economic boosts an interstate provided encouraged those living in Valdosta, Georgia to accept the changes. Barron describes the effects of interstate I-75 construction on cities including Perry, Augusta, and Columbus, Georgia. Barron talks about how the natural geography and energy plants of north Georgia proved highway creation to be challenging.

Keywords: Interstate 1-85; Interstate I-75; Perry, Georgia

00:14:39 - Building over Lake Allatoona / Reaction to highway construction in Cartersville, GA

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Partial Transcript: But, the fact is that by the mid 60's...

Segment Synopsis: Barron explains that the hydroelectric dams and the Appalachian mountains proved to be geographical challenges in the creation of interstate I-75. Barron recalls that the plan to build a bridge on Lake Allatoona in Georgia was eventually dropped as the lake already had multiple highway bridges that ran over it. Barron describes the reaction of Cartersville, Georgia residents towards the building of the 1-75, as feelings ranged from frustration to approval.

Keywords: Bartow County, Georgia; Cartersville, Georgia; Dalton, Georgia; Lake Allatoona

00:19:37 - Construction issues in Bartow and Cartersville, Georgia

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Partial Transcript: Some of the arguments had to do with...

Segment Synopsis: Barron further explains the defense for Coca-Cola's decision to restrain from designing I-75 to run over lake Allatoona. Barron states that the lake's construction would not provide a chance for economic growth among neighboring cities. Barron talks about how he used previous examples of economic growth in other towns in attempt to convince Cartersville and Bartow county and city officials to allow the construction of Interstate 75. Barron recalls that his argument failed against the county officials, which forced him to eventually organize a political campaign to convince the counties to allow Coca-Cola to construct.

Keywords: Bartow County, Georgia; Cartersville, Georgia; Dean Rusk; Interstate 75 (I-75); Rome, Georgia

00:34:13 - Creation of later four-lane highways

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Partial Transcript: About that time, when that stretch were finished...

Segment Synopsis: Barron describes the positive economic effects of the construction of I-75 on the cities Gainsville and Perry, Georgia. Barron explains that the creation of future four-lane highways in smaller Georgian cities was an attempt by the economically poor Georgian cities to boost the economy. Barron talks about how the later four-lane highways, though they did not develop local economies, did provide alternate transportation for those not wanting to travel through Atlanta, Georgia.

Keywords: Augusta, Georgia; Columbus, Georgia; Fort Valley, Georgia; Gainsville, Georgia; Joe Frank Harris; Macon, Georgia; Perry, Georgia; Theodore Stevens; Zell Miller

00:41:27 - Future transportation developments

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Partial Transcript: What have the freeways meant in terms of positive...

Segment Synopsis: Barron explains his belief that the United States would not develop a strong train or subway system due to America's appreciation for individual automobile travel. Barron shares his ideas about the future, in which people don't own cars, but instead use automated automobile services to travel to major cities. Barron states that the refusal of environmental regulators to study the effects of the construction of an outer perimeter around Atlanta prevented the highway from being built.

Keywords: Atlanta, Georgia; Jim Gillis; automatic automobile