HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-08-09-2n - Resolution - 01/08/2009RESOLUTION NO. 01- 08 -09 -2n
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLLEGE STATION,
TEXAS, SUPPORTING LEGISLATIVE ACTION TO CREATE PROGRAMS AND
PROVIDE FUNDING FOR THE ENHANCEMENT OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
INCLUDING RELOCATION OF FREIGHT RAIL LINES.
WHEREAS, freight and passenger mobility is critical to the economic prosperity and
quality of I ife in the state of Texas; and,
WHEREAS, freight rail traffic moves fastest and safest in areas with fewer at -grade
crossings; and,
WHEREAS, in its present state the transportation system in Texas is a major consumer of
natural resources and a major source of air, water, and noise pollution; and
WHEREAS, the state's population has grown by 57% and the total passenger miles driven
rose by 95% over the past 25 years, but highway lane miles increased by just 8% over the
same period; and
WHEREAS, the congested transportation system creates approximately $60.8 billion
dollars in added costs; and,
WHEREAS, the present system of inter -city freight rail lines adds to the traffic congestion
and hampers efforts to develop a centralized, inter -city commuter rail line; and,
WHEREAS, the creation of a centralized, inter -city commuter rail line will address some
of the critical transportation issues facing this century; and
WHEREAS, freight rail traffic and commuter rail are often mutually exclusive on the same
rail lines; and,
WHEREAS, failure to address critical transportation needs will hamper economic stability
in the State; and,
WHEREAS, the Texas Department of Transportation estimates that freight- movement
trucking is increasing nationwide by 2% per year, increasing by 6% per year statewide, but
increasing by 15% per year in the Austin -San Antonio Corridor; and
WHEREAS, the Texas Legislature will consider funding and policy matters for multiple
aspects of the state's transportation infrastructure during the legislative session that begins
in January, 2009; and
RESOLUTION NO. 01 -08 -09 -2n
Page 2
WHEREAS, the Legislature of the State of Texas has passed and the public has approved
by election the constitutional amendment creating the Texas Rail Relocation and
Improvement Fund; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLLEGE STATION,
TEXAS:
PART 1: That the Mayor and City Council of the City of College Station, Texas,
support legislative action that would create and fund programs that would
enhance public transportation in the State.
PART 2: That the Mayor and City Council of the City of College Station, Texas, urge
the Texas Legislature to fund rail relocation efforts during the coming
legislative session as an essential component of helping to meet the state's
overall transportation infrastructure needs.
,'A DOPTED this Ath day of January , A.D. 2009.
Al APPROVED:
rte.
City Secretary Mayor
APPROVED:
XAA& A. 44
City Attorney