HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 76 280�1 1
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the citizens of Beaumont, Texas, are concerned that state
and federal highway construction and maintenance funds have remained for
several years at an inadequate and declining level while costs have more
than doubled since 1967; and,
WHEREAS, the current highway funding crisis has resulted in a drastic
reduction in the pace of improving the state highway system, adversely af-
fecting the mobility and safety of citizens in urban areas; and,
WHEREAS, there is a backlog of $11 billion in transportation improve-
ment projects and anticipated revenues for construction during the next
20 years of only. $1.9 billion; and,
WHEREAS, all existing revenue will be needed by 1980 just to maintain
the state highway system, with no funds -available for upgrading obsolete
roads and bridges or for new construction; and,
WHEREAS, the State Highway and Public Transportation Commission has
undertaken a thorough study of road improvement needs and revenues which will
be required; and,
WHEREAS, Texas Highway User Taxes - including the Motor Fuel Tax and
Automobile Registration Fees - are'the lowest in the nation; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Beaumont has many needs in the area of total
transportation system, including but not limited to, IH -10 Safety Improvements,
U. S. Highway 69, 96 & 287 completion, Lamar Freeway and Transit Improvements;
and,
WHEREAS, the present inadequate funding level will adversely affect the
city and state's economy, will result in increased unemployment, will contribute
to continued death and destruction on Texas Highways at a rate higher than the
national average, and will result in'higher costs for the movement of goods and
people.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE
THAT the City of.Beaumont supports and endorses a proposal by -Governor
Dolph Briscoe for the two-year interim financing of the State Department
of Highways and Public Transportation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that during the period of this temporary
funding, that Governor Dolph Briscoe and mEmbers of the 65th Texas
Legislature be urged to provide adequate additional revenues .to meet the
basic transportation needs of the people of the City of Beaumont and the State
of Texas. Additionalrevenues should be sufficient and in.such a form as to
restore the highway .funds eroded by -inflation and to recognize transportation
as a high priority responsibility of state government.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL of the City of Beaumont this the
day of p(� , 1976.
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- ��� - Mayor -