Sponsor
Aldermen Maack, Anderson, Coe, DeHahn, Hart, Helding, Kaplan, McCarthy, Mozol, Shakoor, Shields, Spangenberg, Weidner and Wisneski
Title
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE SOUTHEASTERN WISCONSIN REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY
WHEREAS, by enactment of section 59.58(6), Wisconsin Statutes, the Wisconsin State Legislature and the Governor created the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Transit Authority ("RTA") to serve the counties of Kenosha, Racine and Milwaukee; and
WHEREAS, by its passage of Resolution 07-0313, the Common Council expressed its strong support for extension of commuter rail service from Kenosha to Racine and Milwaukee; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to section 59.58(6), Wisconsin Statutes, the RTA has submitted to the Governor and the Legislature a report that includes, among other things:
· A plan to improve the coordination of expanded mass transit;
· A proposal that specifically identifies a permanent regional funding source for the local portion of mass transit that is not covered by passenger fares;
· A recommendation that the RTA become a permanent body; and
WHEREAS, the KRM commuter rail extension will foster development in the Lincoln-King neighborhood, the State Street area, and Downtown Racine, and will improve access to jobs for the residents of Racine, and will connect the City of Racine to the economic growth in the Chicago-Milwaukee corridor; and
WHEREAS, the Common Council considers it essential that the Governor and the Legislature be aware of its views on this matter of great importance to the residents and taxpayers of the City of Racine.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Common Council again expresses it strong support for development of mass transit in our region, including the KRM commuter rail extension; and
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Common Council expresses its strong support for the RTA's recommendations to the Governor and Legislature; and
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk is directed to send a copy of this resolution to Governor James Doyle and to all state elected representatives serving Racine County.
Fiscal Note: N/A