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