HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution - 5233 - Request - 75Th Texas Legislature - Highway Funding - 08_08_1996RESOLUTION NO.521
August 8, 1996
Item #9
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Texas requires additional funds to maintain and expand its 77,000 miles of
state -maintained highways, some 78 percent of which are in need of repair, replacement or
modernization; and
WHEREAS, the Texas Department of Transportation has reported that more than half of
the approved, cost-effective and needed road and bridge projects cannot be funded over the next
three years; and
WHEREAS, the continued economic growth of Texas, along with the quality of life of its
citizens, is imperiled by allowing our excellent road and bridge network to fall below the state's
traditional standards; and
WHEREAS, more than $2.5 billion have been diverted from the highway fund and spent
on no -highway programs, contrary to the expressed will of state voters, above and beyond the 25
percent of gas tax revenues dedicated to schools; and
WHEREAS, the people of Texas expect their state representatives to be responsive to the
absolute necessity of protecting our state's $100 billion investment in its roads and bridges.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Lubbock
requests that the 75th Texas Legislature take immediate action to correct the problem inadequate
highway funding by:
First, taking steps to reverse the trend of diverting highway funds
from construction and maintenance to other uses;
Second, moving immediately to reduce the growing backlog of
unfunded highway construction and maintenance projects
by assuring adequate funding for those uses;
Third, providing permanent legislative safeguards against the
gradual encroachment on dedicated gasoline tax funds for
non -highway uses and the resulting deterioration of Texas
precious, first-rate road and bridge system.
Passed by the City Council this
ATTEST:
Aarold Wil ar , Interim City Se retary
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
61.r
Mildred Cox
Managing Direcor of Transportation
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
First Assistant City Attorney
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July 17, 19,96