Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 01 - Nets Federal and State FundingMEMO TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: ROGER NELSON, CITY MANAGER/ MEETING DATE: MARCH 4, 2003 SUBJECT: NETS FEDERAL AND STATE FUNDING RECOMMENDATION: City Council consider approving a resolution urging the Federal and State legislative bodies to reauthorize funding for the Northeast Transportation Service. FUNDING SOURCE: Not applicable BACKGROUND: The Northeast Transportation Service (NETS) currently receives funding from the Federal Transit Administration, TxDOT, and the member cities. The Federal appropriation of $260,000 per year for three years was approved as part of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21St Century (TEA -21). This funding is contingent on a $260,000 state and local match. Congress is currently preparing legislation to reauthorize TEA -21. This resolution urges Congress to include funding for NETS in the TEA -21 reauthorization. At the State level, NETS receives approximately $190,000 per biennium. Because of budgetary concerns, the remaining amount for the current biennium was reduced by approximately 20%. Governor Perry has asked TXDoT to prepare a budget for the next biennium that is 25% lower than the already reduced amount. A reduction in State funding could also reduce the amount available to match and therefore, receive, all of the available federal funding. This resolution urges the federal and state legislative bodies to reauthorize funds at the current level. Staff from the NETS member cities have been in touch with the Federal and State legislative delegation. Passage of this resolution will further voice our concern over the issue. Staff recommends approval. JCH /VC- r -S 0 RESOLUTION NO. A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAPEVINE, TEXAS URGING THE FEDERAL AND STATE LEGISLATIVE BODIES TO REAUTHORIZE THE CURRENT LEVEL OF FUNDING FOR NORTHEAST TRANSPORTATION SERVICES AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE WHEREAS, the Northeast Transportation service is a demand response transportation service that serves the transportation needs of senior citizens and persons with disabilities in eight Northeast Tarrant County cities; and WHEREAS, the City of Grapevine, Texas has participated in the Northeast Transportation Service since 1991; and WHEREAS, the Northeast Transportation Service provides approximately 13,000 trips per year to persons who may not otherwise have transportation for purposes such as medical appointments, employment, educational pursuits or grocery shopping; and WHEREAS, funding is provided by the Federal government, the State of Texas, and the participating cities; and WHEREAS, the federal and state funds are essential to the operation of the service. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAPEVINE, TEXAS: Section 1. That the City of Grapevine urges the Federal and State legislative bodies to reauthorize the current level of funding for the Northeast Transportation Service. Section 2. That this resolution shall become effective from and after the date of its passage. PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAPEVINE, TEXAS on this the 4th day of March, 2003. ATTEST: