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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR 12047:TRANSPORTATION FUNDINGINTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: SUBJECT: DATE: STEVE FITZGIBBONS, CITY MANAGER w^rso 4, mvmCTOR Or P ' INO DALE L. P.~ NO. 12~7 - STA~ T~NS~ F~DING 01/02/03 RECOMMENDATION: I recommend that Proposed Resolution No. 12047 bc approved. This Resolution requests increased funding for the small urban and rural transit systems in Texas for the next biennium. BACKGROUND: TXDOT has provided approximately $700,000 in funding for Port Arthur Transit for each biennium over the last several. This year TXDOT's request to the legislature provides for a 25% reduction in funding for the small urban and rural transit program. In addition, all funding is proposed to come fi:om the general fund. During the last several sessions funding was available fi:om other sources to supplement the general fund. BUDGETARY/FISCAL EFFECT: A 25% reduction in funding to Port Arthur Transit would result in the loss of approx'maately $75,000, which would have to be made up fi:om other sources. STAFFING/EMPLOYEE EFFECT: None SUMMARY: I recomraend that Proposed Resolution No. 12047 be approved. P.R. No. 12047 06/17/97 DLW RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF INCREASED FUNDING FOR SMALL RURAL AND RURAL PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SERVICES WHEREAS, thc City of Port Arthur recognizes that Port Arthur Transit utilizes Federal Transit Administration and Texas Department of Transportation Section 5307 funds to provide transit services to the citizens of Port Arthur; and, WHEREAS, rural and small urban public transportation serves local communities across the State, providing a needed service to thousands of persons who otherwise would not be able to access medical and educational services, employment or other vital services; and, WHEREAS, the level of service needed in rural and small urban Texas continues to be inadequate for the needs ofioeal communities, and new public transit systelm continue to begin services that will benefit the entire State in the movement of people; and, WHEREAS, individual small City transit systems suffered reductions in services as a consequence of recent state funding reductions; and, WHEREAS, rural areas are in need of an increased level of and access to public transit services in every region of the state, and the state is in the best position to address and solve the regional and statewide financial needs of public transit as it does for highways; and, WHEREAS, public transit requires stable and predictability in the flow of funds to efficiently and effectively operate their multiple modes of transportation; and, WHEREAS, the current appropriations proposals pending before the Texas legislature include an appropriations reduction of 25 percent in rural and small cities transit funding; and, P.R. NO. 12047 12/31/02 Page 2 of 3 WHEREAS, an increase for the 2004-2005 State fiscal years is needed to cominue the progress thus far achieved; now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT ARTHUR: THAT the City of Port Arthur strongly urges the 78 Regular session of the Texas Legislature to eliminate from consideration any reduction of public transit funding; and, THAT a funding increase be appropriated by the Texas Legislature for small city and rural public transportation at a level of $95 million for the coming State biennium with the knowledge that such state funding would still only total one-half of that actually needed; and, THAT the State undertake by means of an intethi~ legislative study a permanent financial resolution for public transportation that will provide long term stability and predictability with an adequate and growing funding base for the future; and, THAT the City Secretary send a certified copy of the Resolution be forwarded to His Excellency the Governor of Texas, Rick Pen~; Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, The Honorable James "Pete" Laney; and the Lieutenant Governor of Texas, the Honorable Bill Ratliff. THAT a copy of the caption of this Resolution be spread upon theMinutes of the City Council. READ, ADOPTED AND APPROVED this day of January, A.D., 2003, at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Port Arthur, Texas, by the following vote: AVES: MAYOR COUNCILMEMBERS: NOES: P.IL NO. 12047 12/31/02 Page 3 of 3 ATTEST: Mayor City Secretary APPROVED AS TO FORM: ~/~ty Attorney / APPROVED FOR ADMINISTRATION: City Manager Director of Planning