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F RESOLUTION NO. 86 -069 '2.57 WHEREAS, Congress increased the federal fuel tax to 9 cents a gallon in the Surface Transportation Act of 1982; and, WHEREAS, an amendment to that legislation sponsored by Senator Lloyd Bentsen provided equity to each state by guaranteeing a return of at least 85 percent of federal highway user taxes collected in that state; and, WHEREAS, prior to the enactment of the Bentsen amend- ment, Texas was receiving less than 75 cents for each dollar paid into the Highway Trust Fund; and, WHEREAS, the increase in the federal fuel tax and adoption of the 85 percent provision substantially increased the federal highway funds received by Texas; and, WHEREAS, the increased federal highway funds, together with additional state funds provided by the Legislature, are being used in a long overdue program to rehabilitate, improve, and expand the 72,000 mile Texas highway system; and, WHEREAS, the Reagan Administration has proposed legis- lation which would prevent Texas from receiving a fair return of federal highway user taxes collected here by destroying the equity achieved by the Bentsen Amendment; and, WHEREAS, Congress is considering legislation to re- authorize federal highway and transit program; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PARIS, That members of the Texas Congressional Delegation be urged to support legislation which includes the following: 1. Continue the present 85% minimum allocation program. 2. Remove transportation trust funds from the Unified Federal Budget, allowing revenues from user fees to flow unimpeded to provide improvements in transportation facilities. Funding levels should fully utilize revenues available in the trust funds. 3. Authorize the Secretary of Transportation to approve the Interstate Cost Estimate Administra- tively. 4. Provide adequate general revenue appropriations to meet transit capital needs. 5. Continue to dedicate all fuel tax revenues to the Highway Trust Fund.