2006-01-24_PWETC_AgendaPacket - Laserfiche WebLink

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~ -I- -~----cc;;",.....-.-c.~,.-. ----. -- "Rill. - . ... 'li:!F Public Works DepartmentlEngineering Date: 01123/06 Item: 2.c Transportation Funding MeDlO To: City Council ~ . _ __ .V:;:: . Duane Schwartz, Public W orks Directot\,c~;~:;",,'" c.," :.-----~ From: Date: 01/19/2006 Re: Legislative Transportation Flll1ding/Other Issues It is a bit early yet this year, as the sessions begin in March, to detennine what proposals will be floated before the legislature regarding penn anent dedicated transportation funding. The recently released governor's bonding bill proposal inclnded a lllunber of transportation project specific funding requests_ None ofthe recommended projects are specific to the Roseville area Numerous proposals to increase transportation spending were introduced to the legislature in 2005. Ultimately, a bill was passed by both houses to increase the gas tax. This lJilI was supported by the League of Cities and the cOlll1ties. The govemor vetoed the bill, The City's share of gas tax revenue continues to decline due to population increases outside ofRoseville and the expansion of the metropolitan area It is lll1clear whetller the gas tax proposals;;i,ill be revived this session. SM"1=WIL keep COlll1cil apprised of developments in this area as the session begins. The COlll1cilmay wish to voice their position on this issue at some point. The other issue that is alive this year relates to a bill that was passed in 2005 requiring a referendum on pennanently dedicating 100% of vehicle excise taxes to transportation. This will be on the ballot this fall for all voters to weigh in on, The new vehicle excise tax generates about 600 million dollars annually. Currently, approximately 50% goes to transportation, with tlle remaining arnOlll1t going into the general fund. The referendum would dedicate 40% of the tax to transit and 60% to highway funding. This would help to alleviate some of the funding pressures and backlog of highway projects. The Transportation Alliance, of which the City is not a cun'ent member, is looking for support in getting the word out promoting these changes. The COlll1ty may want to create a position on this referendum if they support the dedication of the excise tax to transportation. Anotller issue that is being fought by a coalition called the Minnesota Alliance for safe Highways is a meaSlU'e promoted by the !lucking industry to allow heavier and longer trucks on our roads. There is an inlpact to both safety and our iiiIld9.rmrrllli! if resl1ictions are relaxed. See attached infonnation(AttachmentA) for more backgrowld on this effort. . Page 1