From
Cathy DiMaggio
Title
Resolution in support of the Adequate Funding of the Transportation System (R14-03)
Presenter
Mayor Ron Jensen and Tom Hart, City Manager
Recommended Action
Approve
Analysis
The United States Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx recently visited the North Texas region during his "Invest in America, Commit to the Future" bus tour. During the visit, Secretary Foxx stressed the importance of transportation infrastructure and the numerous economic opportunities it creates, as well as called for a heightened awareness of the need for transportation funding. As a result, the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) approved a resolution supporting adequate funding for transportation and requesting local governments, business leaders and the public to encourage Congress to provide adequate levels of transportation funding.
Financial Consideration
NA
Body
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS, SUPPORTING THE ADEQUATE FUNDING OF THE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM (R14-03)
Whereas, the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) is designated as the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area by the Governor of Texas in accordance with federal law; and,
Whereas, the Regional Transportation Council (RTC), comprised primarily of local elected officials, is the regional transportation policy body associated witha the North Central Texas Council of Governments, and has been and continues to be the regional forum for cooperative decisions on transportation; and
Whereas, US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx recently concluded his Invest in America, Commit to the Future bus tour in Garland, Texas, highlighting the need for a national investment in roads, bridges, ports and transit systems, and;
Whereas, during the bus tour, Secretary Foxx stressed the importance of transportation projects' ability to provide ladders of opportunity to create jobs, plan for the future and spur economic development; and,
WHEREAS, the balance in the Highway Trust Fund is expected to be exhausted by August 2014, which could lead to transportation projects being delayed; and
WHEREAS, transportation needs far outpace the ability of the Highway Fund at the state level, leading to a backlog of needed transportation projects; and,
WHEREAS, voices from across the nation such as elected officials, business leaders and citizens need to be heard on the need to address transportation funding needs, and
WHEREAS, several initiatives at the federal and state levels, such as the November 2014 election for Proposition 1, the need to address the Highway Trust Fund shortfall, the reauthorization of MAP-21 in Congress and the upcoming 84th Texas Legislature, present real opportunities to address transportation funding needs in a meaningful way.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas that:
Section 1. The Regional Transportation Council supports the need to adequately fund transportation.
Section 2. Members of the Regional Transportation Council will carry the message about the ability of transportation projects to create jobs and spur economic development along with the need to adequately fund transportation to groups in their communities such as chambers of commerce, other business groups, neighborhood associations, and others.
SECTION 3. The Director of Transportation is permitted to communicate this position of support on behalf of the Regional Transportation Council.
SECTION 4. This resolution will be transmitted to the United States Department of Transportation, the North Central Texas Congressional and Legislative Delegations, partner transportation organizations and all impacted local governments in the Dallas-Fort Worth region.
SECTION 5. This resolution shall be in effect immediately upon its adoption.
PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS, JUNE 17, 2014.