05-37 - 05-17 - Support Regional Council Transportation Priiority Resolution 05-37 May 17, 2005
Member Pentel introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING REGIONAL COUNCIL OF MAYORS
TRANSPORTATION PRIORITY
WHEREAS, too many Minnesotans unnecessarily lose time and money due to
traffic gridlock: Metropolitan area drivers each absorb a "congestion tax" of over $700 per
year, and collectively waste over 93 million gallons of fuel annually; and
WHEREAS, one million additional people are expected to live in the metropolitan
region in the next two decades, further exacerbating our already unacceptable traffic
congestion; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota's investment in roads and transit continues to fall behind our
peer metropolitan regions in the United States; and
WHEREAS, congested and unsafe roads hinder economic prosperity, erode quality
of life, and complicate numerous aspects of life in Minnesota: parents spend less time with
their kids and more time in traffic, emergency vehicles take longer to respond, and
truckloads of consumer goods increase in price as commercial vehicles are unduly delayed
moving freight from origin to destination; and
WHEREAS, solving our transportation problem is a complex and long-term
challenge that will require various strategies; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota needs to adequately and strategically expand both its transit
system and roads with predictable, accountable, and long-term funding sources; and
WHEREAS, new transportation financing must prioritize public transit within a
comprehensive, multi-modal, interconnected transportation system that serves the 11-
county metro area; and that light rail and commuter rail lines, along with expanded bus
service, be expanded to support the population and businesses in our fast-growing region;
and
WHEREAS, urgent, courageous and visionary leadership is vital to forging a
sustainable, long-term transportation plan for our state and region. This leadership must
drive progress on such a long-range plan and maintain accountability for the process to the
public.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that, as elected leaders representing cities
in Minnesota's fast-growing 11-county metropolitan region, we hereby declare our belief
that transportation has become one of the most vexing problems facing our communities
and state and requires urgent attention from our state's leaders. We call upon the leaders
in the legislative and executive branches to create a long-term solution to our
transportation needs, and to do so in the 2005 legislative session.
Resolution 05-37 - Continued May 17, 2005
Linda R. Loomis, Mayor
ATTEST:
Donald G. Taylor erk
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was seconded by Member Grayson
and upon a vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Freiberg,
Grayson, Loomis, Pentel and Shaffer; and the following voted against the same: none,
whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted, signed by the Mayor
and her signature attested by the City Clerk.