Res. #07-006 - Requesting Comp. Road & Transit Funding 2007

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WHEREAS, congestion, inefficient transportation systems and lack of transportation choices lead to greater dependence on foreign o~ increased environmental ~ . and economic disadvantages for Minnesota's businesses and residents; and WHEREAS, many rural roads are not built to modem safety standards and are not meeting the needs of industries that depend on the ability to transport heavy loads; and WHEREAS, current funding for roads and transit systems across all government levels in Minnesota is inadequate, and this under-investment hinders Minnesota's progress as a national business, economic and civic leader. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CENTERVILLE that this Council requests that in 2007 the Minnesota Legislature pass a comprehensive transportation funding package that permanently increases dedicated funding for transportation; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CENTERVILLE that this Council requests that in 2007 Governor Tim Pawlenty allow a comprehensive transportation funding package that permanently increases dedicated funding for transportation that is passed by the Legislature to become law; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CENTERVlLLE that this Council supports funding options including, but not limited to, the following: . An increase in the gas tax; . Indexing of the gas tax, provided there is a limit on how much the tax can be increased for inflation in a given amount of time; . Increases in vehicle registration taxes (a.k.a. license tab fees); . Trunk highway bonding, provided the Legislature implements reasonable restrictions on the amount of debt service the state will incur and provided the Legislature appropriates funding to assist with local costs related to projects funded with trunk highway bonds; . General obligation bonding for local roads and bridges, particularly for roads of regional significance and to assist with local cost participation requirements pertaining to trunk highway projects; . Sales tax exemptions for state and local transportation construction projects; and . New local funding tools, such as local option sales tax authority, expanded wheelage tax authority and/or street utility authority; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CENTERVILLE that this Council defines a comprehensive transportation funding package as an initiative that permanently increases dedicated funding for state and local road and transit systems in Greater Minnesota and the Metropolitan Area. Adopted by the City Council this 14th day of February, 2007.