A resolution requesting Governor Phil Bredesen, the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly, the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, the Metropolitan Transit Authority, the Metropolitan Hospital Authority, Nashville Electric Service, and all Metropolitan Government departments, agencies, boards, and commissions to develop an incentive program for government employees to carpool or use public transportation in their daily commutes to and from work.

WHEREAS, the State of Tennessee employs approximately 28,000 persons, making it the largest employer in the state; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County has more than 14,000 employees; and

WHEREAS, the federal government recently established higher air quality standards throughout the United States; and

WHEREAS, according to information provided by the American Public Transportation Association, over 130 million people, or approximately one half of all Americans, live in areas that violate federal health standards for air pollution; and

WHEREAS, the American Lung Association's 2002 State of the Air Report states that 143 million Americans are breathing unhealthy amounts of ozone pollution, which has been linked to lung and heart disease; and

WHEREAS, employer-provided commuter benefits, such as incentives for carpooling, reduce air pollution, improve public health, improve employee retention and job satisfaction, and reduce expenses for both employers and employees; and

WHEREAS, based on the economic, health and environmental benefits associated with carpooling and mass transit, it is fitting and proper that the State of Tennessee and the Metropolitan Government take the action necessary to provide an incentive for state and Metropolitan Government employees to carpool or use public transportation.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting Governor Phil Bredesen, the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly, the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, the Metropolitan Transit Authority, the Metropolitan Hospital Authority, Nashville Electric Service, and all Metropolitan Government departments, agencies, boards, and commissions to develop an incentive program for government employees to carpool or use public transportation in their daily commutes to and from work.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Governor Phil Bredesen, to each member of the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly, to the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority, to the Metropolitan Transit Authority, to the Metropolitan Hospital Authority, to Nashville Electric Service, and to all Metropolitan Government department heads.

Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Ludye Wallace