🌱 Rail Hub Coming To Gainesville + City Trolleys Return Today

Hi all! Lauren Kubiak here with your Thursday edition of the Gainesville Patch newsletter, filled with all the community information you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Cooler; a p.m. t-storm or two. High: 68 Low: 57.
• Friday: Sunshine and pleasant. High: 74 Low: 61.

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Here are the top three stories today in Gainesville:

1. The Georgia Ports Authority announced approval for the expansion of capacity through the construction of an inland rail hub in Gainesville. This new infrastructure, known as the Northeast Georgia Inland Port, is projected to handle up to 60,000 containers annually to provide relief to Georgia highways. With construction planned to commence in January 2024, the project's completion by July 2026 hinges on the finalization of a grant from the Transportation Department's Maritime Administration. (Supply Chain Dive)
2. Hall Area Transit (HAT)'s Gainesville Trolleys are set to resume service today (Thursday, May 18). In preparation for the trolleys' return, HAT has begun installing signage at designated stops, including locations in the Chattahoochee Golf Club and Dixon, Glenwood, and Riverside neighborhoods. Not only will the trolley service be reinstated, but HAT is also expanding routes to meet growing demand and ensure that the city's two iconic blue-and-white trolleys can be enjoyed by all residents and visitors. (City of Gainesville, Georgia via Facebook)
3. The Humane Society of Northeast Georgia is calling on local businesses to join the "Restaurants and Retailers for Rescues" initiative. This annual event aims to help homeless animals by dedicating a week, from Jun. 19 to Jun. 29, for participating restaurants and retailers to give back. Anyone interested in joining the cause can contact KWells@HSNEGA.org or sign up online. (Humane Society of Northeast Georgia via Facebook)

From our sponsor:

Today’s Gainesville Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Gainesville Patch newsletter possible.

Today and tomorrow in Gainesville:

Thursday, May 18

• Chad Bowmar Live At El Tepache Grill (6:00 PM)

Friday, May 19

• Food Truck Fridays At Lake Lanier Olympic Park (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• If you're looking for a new house, there's nothing quite like seeing it in person. To help in your search, here are five upcoming open houses in and around Gainesville. (Gainesville Patch)
• Northeast Georgia Health System in Gainesville made Becker's Hospital Review's list of 30 most trusted health care brands. (Becker's Hospital Review)
• Looking to find some pre-loved treasures? The City of Gainesville Employee Yard Sale returns this Saturday, May 20 outside of City Hall from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (City of Gainesville, Georgia via Facebook)

You're all caught up for today! I'll see you around.

— Lauren Kubiak

About me: Lauren is an Editor for Lightning Media Partners. She graduated from Rowan University with a Bachelor’s in journalism. She was previously a full-time editor at an association management firm, editing peer-reviewed nursing journals, textbooks, and newsletters.