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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution - 1670 - Support Pothole Bill - 04/26/1984� , A RESOLUTION NO. 1670 - 4/26/84 RESOLUTION A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING INCREASED STATE HIGHWAY FUNDING, PASSAGE OF THE POTHOLE BILL AND INCREASED HIGHWAY USER CHARGES. WHEREAS, authoritative surveys reveal that: (1) Texas leads the nation in the number of deficient bridges (172,000) and deteriorated state roadways (7,740 miles). (2) The State's five -cent -per -gallon motor fuel tax is the lowest in the nation, and has not been increased in 27 years. Moreover, in 1965 27% of the State Budget was spent for transportation -related purposes. (3) Each Texas motorist pays a "bad roads" tax average $291 per year for wasted gasoline, tire wear, car repairs, insurance and medical bills. (4) Additional transportation spending of $51 billion will be needed over the next twenty years to overcome the current backlog of needs including $6.2 million for road and bridge rehabilitation; $30.3 million for reconstruction; $6.7 billion for new roads ; and $7.7 billion for maintenance; and WHEREAS, the State's transportation funding problems are reflected at the local level, as follows: (1) The current backlog of city street repair needs exceeds $1 billion. Texas cities are spending an estimated $193 million per year on street repairs (more than ever before), but they are still falling further behind each year, because the street repair backlog is growing at rates that exceed local spending increases. The cities must have State financial assistance in order to bring their streets and bridges up to standard. (2) Upwards of 20% of all municipal streets (more than 13,000 miles) are currently in need of major repair. (3) The deterioration of city streets and bridges will accelerate in the future. The ten million motor vehicles already in the State are wearing out local roads and bridges faster than they can be repaired; twenty years from now the cities will have sixteen million vehicles to content with --more than half again today's volume; and WHEREAS, the Texas Municipal League supports the State funding and tax increases necessary to bring our State/local roads and bridges up to par; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Lubbock, Texas, that the Texas Legislature is urged to enact a State/Local Road and Bridge Financing Package composed of the following: (1) An increase of $1 billion per year in funding for the State Department of Highways and Public Transportation. (2) $100 million per year for the City Street Improvement Fund (the "Pothole Bill") proposed, but not approved, during the 1983 Legislative session. (3) Doubling the rate of the State Motor Fuel Tax to ten cents per gallon and increasing Motor Vehicle License Fees as necessary to generate funding. PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Lubbock, Texas this 26th day of April, 1984. PPR r ATTEST: NF ity r ry LARRY J. CUNNINGHAM CITY MANAGER RESOLUTION NO. 1670 - 4/26/84 CITY OF LUBBOCK LUBBOCK. TEXAS April 30, 1984 Mr. Dick Brown Executive Director Texas Municipal League 1020 Southwest Tower Austin, Texas 78701 Subject: Resolution Supporting Pothole Bill Dear Dick: You will find attached to this memo a copy of the recommended resolu- tion approved by the Lubbock City Council and signed by,Mayor Henry, supporting the Pothole Bill. There has been some confusion about the exact funding for the street repair assistance. The resolution appears to suggest that the funding would come from the additional gasoline tax. However, the news on the Governor's position is that the additional gasoline tax will be used for teachers salaries. We would appreciate some additional infor- mation or clarification on this particular item. The City Council is very interested in this subject and would appre- ciate knowing when and how we can be of additional support in the upcoming special legislative session. If we can be of any additional help please let us know as soon as possible. Sincerely, Larry J. Cunningham City Manager LJC:rb M LARRY J. CUNNINGHAM CITY MANAGER RESOLUTION NO. 1670 - 4/26/84 CITY OF LUBBOCK LUBBOCK. TEXAS April 30, 1984 Mr. Dick Brown Executive Director Texas Municipal League 1020 Southwest Tower Austin, Texas 78701 Subject: Resolution Supporting Pothole Bill Dear Dick: You will find attached to this memo a copy of the recommended resolu- tion approved by the Lubbock City Council and signed by,Mayor Henry, supporting the Pothole Bill. There has been some confusion about the exact funding for the street repair assistance. The resolution appears to suggest that the funding would come from the additional gasoline tax. However, the news on the Governor's position is that the additional gasoline tax will be used for teachers salaries. We would appreciate some additional infor- mation or clarification on this particular item. The City Council is very interested in this subject and would appre- ciate knowing when and how we can be of additional support in the upcoming special legislative session. If we can be of any additional help please let us know as soon as possible. Sincerely, Larry J. Cunningham City Manager LJC:rb