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Vote On What Atlanta Should Name Its New Boring Machine

August 9th, 2016

The Atlanta Watershed Department has narrowed down the list of possible names for it’s 400-foot-long rock-digging machine, and it’s come down to a rapper, a tribute to Georgia’s most famous crop, and “Gone with the Wind.”

Last month, Mayor Kasim Reed announced a contest to name the city’s new boring machine, which is designed to help convert the Bellwood Quarry into a large reservoir. According to the Watershed Department’s website, the $11.6 million machine will be used to build the tunnel connecting the quarry with the Chattahoochee River.

Atlantans can now vote on which of the three names they prefer. And the finalists are …

“Driller Mike,” which was nominated by multiple people as a play on Atlanta rapper and member of Run the Jewels Killer Mike. “Killer Mike chews through words and raps like he’s got diamond tipped teeth,” submitter Bryan Schroder argued. “A good role model for this drill, Driller Mike, to look up to!”
“Peach Beast,” which was proposed by David Nixon’s as a tribute to Georgia’s iconic fruit. “The beast to help keep ATL and the Peach State green, healthy and safe. Plus it’s the beast that eats rock,” Nixon said.
“Scarlett,” nominated by Kristen Vick after the famed heroine of both film and Margaret Mitchell’s 1936 novel. “O’Hara of course,” Vick said. “How perfectly classic Atlanta.”

You can vote on which of those three monikers you think best describes the new earth eater here. Voting closes Sept. 2. The Watershed Department estimates that the machine will be completely assembled by September.