7.3. SR 02-19-2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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RESOLUTION NO. 08- CITY OF ELK RIVER A RESOLUTION REQUESTING COMPREHENSIVE ROAD AND TRANSIT FUNDING WHEREAS, all Minnesota communities benefit from a sound, efficient and adequately funded transportation system that offers diverse modes of travel; and WHEREAS, the integrity of Minnesota's transportation infrastructure is dependent upon long- term planning and ongoing maintenance, both of which require dedicated and sustainable revenue sources; and WHEREAS, Minnesota leaders have not increased dedicated funding levels for roads, bridges and transit systems to keep pace with growing costs and changing needs; and WHEREAS, transportation analysts in consultation with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) estimate Minnesota will have to invest an additional $1.5 billion per year in transportation infrastructure for the next ten years in order to meet identified needs on Minnesota's state highways and bridges, county roads, city streets, metro and rural transit systems and local bridges; and WHEREAS, Minnesota's transportation system is failing to meet the capacity needs necessary to sustain population growth and promote economic development; and WHEREAS, congestion, inefficient transportation systems and lack of transportation choices lead to greater dependence on foreign oil, increased environmental degradation, and economic disadvantages for Minnesota's businesses and residents; and WHEREAS, many rural roads are not built to modern safety standards and are not meeting the needs of industries that depend on the ability to transport heavy loads; and WHEREAS, local cost participation requirements for trunk highway and county projects are onerous and are contributing to strains on city budgets; and WHEREAS, transportation infrastructure maintenance and improvement costs significantly contribute to rising property taxes; and WHEREAS, insufficient state funding has delayed regionally significant road construction and reconstruction projects across Minnesota; and WHEREAS, current funding for roads, bridges and transit systems across all government levels in Minnesota is inadequate, and this under-investment diminishes quality of life for Minnesota residents and hinders Minnesota's progress as a national business, economic and civic leader.