Sponsor
Alderman DeHahn
Title
Request of a Resolution Authorizing the Mayor and Common Council to urge the Wisconsin Transportation and Policy Commission to recommend: 1) restoring the 10% cut in WisDOT funding for public transportation that was mandated in the current State budget; 2) establish and maintain a policy of a 60% combined Federal and State share of expenses for mid-size Wisconsin communities; and 3) maintain a Federally funded Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) capital program for SE WI counties in non-attainment or maintenance status.
WHEREAS, the essential public transportation connections between workers and jobs in Racine, Mount Pleasant, Sturtevant, Caledonia and Yorkville rely on state and federal support just like highways and all other transportation services; and
WHEREAS, state and federal financial support was reduced by 10% or more in the last biennial budget; and
WHEREAS, the Governor and Legislature adopted a Wisconsin Department of Transportation budget that establishes funding levels both for state transit operating assistance and a "Local" Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) program for qualified Wisconsin counties; and
WHEREAS, the Wisconsin Transportation and Policy Commission was established to guide the Governor and Legislature in developing a comprehensive strategy to maintain funding for all state transportation needs.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Common Council of the City of Racine does hereby urge and request members of the Wisconsin Transportation and Policy and Finance Commission to recommend:
1. Restoring the 10% cut in state and federal funding for public transportation;
2. Establishing and maintaining a policy of 60% combined state and federal funding for the operating expenses of mid-size Wisconsin communities (urbanized areas over 50,000 in population); and
3. Including a Congestion Mitigation Air Quality (CMAQ) program in future state budgets with a minimum commitment of 50% of eligible funds dedicated to local projects.
FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution will be transmitted to the Wisconsin Transportation Policy and Finance Commission as well as to Racine area legislators and to the Governor's Office.
Fiscal Note: N/A