Free this afternoon? Why not go to Suwanee to support high-speed rail through Athens?

The Georgia Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration are studying a high-speed rail line that would connect Washington, DC, Charlotte, NC, and Atlanta. One of six proposed routes would run along upgraded CSX Transportation tracks through Athens.

The only public hearing in Georgia is at 4 p.m. today at Suwanee City Hall, 323 Buford Highway.

Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Chuck Jones sent word via Rachel Watkins of a shuttle leaving the Classic Center at 2:30 p.m.

"The Athens CVB and The Classic Center would like to encourage the local hospitality industry and the rest of the Athens business community to attend tomorrow's meeting in support of this project," Jones said.