RESOLUTION NO. RS2011-2

A resolution ratifying continued membership in the Regional Transportation Authority of Middle Tennessee.

WHEREAS, public transportation provides access to life-essential goods and services for all citizens across Middle Tennessee including citizens with disabilities, low income individuals and older residents; and,

WHEREAS, public transportation provides transportation to and from work, increases access to businesses, and spurs economic development and job creation; and,

WHEREAS, public transportation offers local agencies across the region an invaluable tool for addressing growth pressures by expanding options to increase capacity on the transportation system to meet growing travel demands associated with new development; and,

WHEREAS, public transportation has a proven role in promoting environmental sustainability by reducing air and water pollution, offering substantial energy savings, and supporting quality growth principles aimed at conserving land and other natural resources; and,

WHEREAS, the Tennessee General Assembly passed legislation in 2009 creating Title 64,Chapter 8, Part 2, of the Tennessee Code, codified at Tennessee Code Annotated § 64-8-201 through § 64-8-208, which allows the Regional Transportation Authority of Middle Tennessee to assume and have authority to exercise additional powers, duties, and functions; and,

WHEREAS, on January 19, 2011 and in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated § 64-8-203(b), the Board of the Regional Transportation Authority of Middle Tennessee voted unanimously to assume and have authority to exercise the powers, duties, and functions under Tennessee Code Annotated Title 64, Chapter 8, Part 2 which provides capabilities that will be essential to expanding regional transportation in Middle Tennessee; and,

WHEREAS, Tennessee Code Annotated § 64-8-203(b) provides that, if current local government members desire to continue their membership, they must do so by the date set by the Board of the Regional Transportation Authority of Middle Tennessee; and,

WHEREAS, the Board of the Regional Transportation Authority of Middle Tennessee set December 31, 2011 as the deadline for local governments to ratify their continued membership in the Regional Transportation Authority of Middle Tennessee under Tennessee Code Annotated Title 64, Chapter 8, Parts 1 and 2; and,

WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the citizens of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County to remain a member of the Regional Transportation Authority of Middle Tennessee following its assumption of powers, duties, and functions under Tennessee Code Annotated Title 64, Chapter 8, Part 2.

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

Section 1. In accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated § 64-8-203, the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County hereby ratifies its continued membership in the Regional Transportation Authority of Middle Tennessee.

Section 2. 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: Buddy Baker, Ronnie Steine

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred to:	Budget & Finance Committee Transportation Committee
Introduced:	October 4, 2011
Adopted:	October 4, 2011
Approved:	October 6, 2011
By: