ATLANTA (AP) — Lawmakers and state transportation officials will soon begin a series of public meetings to gather input on statewide plans to improve transportation and infrastructure.

The Joint Committee on Critical Transportation Infrastructure Funding is planning to host a meeting Tuesday morning in Atlanta. The session is the first of eight being held throughout the state.

Chairman of the Georgia Transportation Alliance Michael Sullivan tells the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (http://bit.ly/1omuN2l ) transportation and infrastructure are critical components toward Georgia attracting economic development opportunities and being competitive with neighboring states.

? The meeting in Atlanta is expected to feature presentations from Sullivan, former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood and Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner Keith Golden.