1779 RES CITIZENS OF TX ARE CONCERNED STATE AND FEDERAL HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE FUNDS HAVE REMAINED INADEQUATE

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RESOLUTION NO. 1779 . WHEREAS, citizens of 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; and, WHEREAS, there is a backlog of $11 billion in highway im- provement 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 up- grading obsolete roads and bridges or for new construction; and, WHEREAS, the present inadequate funding level will adversely affect the state's economy, will result in increased unemploym ent, 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 ; and, WHEREAS, Governor polph Briscoe has recommended action to alleviate the Texas highway funding crisis by dedicating three- fourths of the automobile sales tax and the general sales tax on tires, tubes, automobile parts and accessories to the state highway fund, supplementing Department of Public Safety operating funds with general revenue appropriations, and utilizing Federal revenue shar- ing funds for emergency road and bridge capital improvements; and, WHEREAS, these recommendations would produce $825 million in badly needed revenue in the next biennium and $7. 1 billion in the next 20 years; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, That these recommendations be endorsed and that members of the 65th Texas Legislature convening in January, 1977, be urged to enact implementing legislation to meet the essential highway trans- portation needs of the people of Texas. Passed and adopted this 13th day of December, 1976. • Ja M. Brunette, ayor A TTEST: H. . Gr ene, City Clerk APP OVE O FORM: T. K. Haynes, City Attorney