Whenever real issues are vigorously debated in an election, everyone wins.

Such was the case this year in the race for Georgia's 12th Congressional District concerning the Deep South's long-stalled proposed new interstates, I-3 and I-14.

Incumbent Congressman John Barrow, D-Ga., ended up winning re-election, but only after having to face criticism during five debates -- four of which were televised -- over his lack of action in supporting the new interstates during his four years in office.

In those debates, Barrow says he, in fact, supported feasibility studies by voting for the Transportation Equity Act, a Legacy for Users (TEA-LU) legislation in 2006 that included study funding by Georgia Sens. Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss.

HE FURTHER blamed lack of action on completing the studies on the Bush administration, and pledged -- publicly, on television -- to support immediate action on beginning those studies, and support for both interstates based on favorable findings.

What a difference those debates made on this issue! With this revival of the original bipartisan support behind both interstates, there is no reason those studies should not begin before this year is out.

I-14 as proposed in 2004 would begin in Augusta, then follow and use the roadbed of the existing Fall Line Freeway as much as possible to Macon, Columbus, Montgomery, Ala., and Natchez, Miss.

I-3 as proposed would start in Savannah, then follow and use the existing Savannah River Parkway to Augusta and Knoxville, Tenn.

During this campaign, alternatives emerged to both plans.

The new I-3 proposal would run from Savannah to Augusta to Asheville instead of Knoxville, and re-designate the new interstate as an extension of the current I-81. This would be more consistent with the existing interstate numbering system. More importantly, it would allow new construction to end at I-85, as the new extended I-81 could run jointly with I-85 and I-26 through Asheville and East Tennessee, dramatically cutting the cost of the project and avoiding new construction in the mountains entirely.

Engineering to include a road bed for light rail to run jointly with both interstates was also added to the debate, to allow the addition of future mass-transit options. Both commuter rail lines should include stations at Augusta Regional Airport, Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, and junctions with both the northern and southern AMTRAK lines in Toccoa and Savannah.

This new interstate-rail combination would transform the commercial airports in our district into true intermodal transportation centers, and open the entire Savannah River Valley to passenger rail service, both for daily commuters and cross-country travelers.

But East Georgia would not be the sole beneficiary of the new interstates in the Peach State. Through-traffic on I-85 and I-20 would now have the option of bypassing the Atlanta area entirely, relieving congestion on I-285 and the entire metro interstate grid system without any new construction in the Greater Atlanta area.

CONGRESSMAN BARROW voiced no objection to either new interstate alternative proposal, and reiterated his support for completing the feasibility studies as rapidly as possible.

Both of these projects enjoyed overwhelming bipartisan support when they were introduced. They would do more to energize the economy in rural East Georgia than any project since rural electrification.

Now, while the statements of public support by Congressman Barrow are still fresh, and the historical legislative support of our senators and the president are still in place, is the time to act for the future of Georgia's 12th Congressional District, and dozens of similar districts across the Deep South.

Mr. President, order those studies started today, before you leave office.

The writer is a former candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives District 12 in Georgia.