RESOLUTION NO. RS2014-984

A Resolution requesting the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to introduce and support the necessary legislation to provide a dedicated funding source for local mass transit.

WHEREAS, public transportation in Nashville provides access to life-essential goods and services for citizens with disabilities, low income individuals, and older residents across the greater Nashville region; and

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

WHEREAS, over the past six years, the Metropolitan Council has increased the annual local government subsidy for the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) from $17,829,100 in fiscal year 2008 to $33,370,600 in fiscal year 2014; and

WHEREAS, in June 2013, the Metropolitan Council appropriated $7.5 million in planning funds for the proposed $175 million AMP bus rapid transit project, which would provide a dedicated bus rapid transit lane from West Nashville to East Nashville along the West End Avenue/Broadway corridor; and

WHEREAS, given the budgetary pressures the Metropolitan Government is facing due to a projected $27 million budget shortfall for Metro Schools and required increases in debt payments for the general government, it is necessary that a dedicated funding source be established if Metro is to continue to expand mass transit in Nashville; and

WHEREAS, such dedicated local funding source could include an increase in the gas tax, the ability to increase local emissions testing fees to be used for mass transit, the ability to levy special taxes in particular areas served by mass transit, and/or special development taxes and fees for new construction in areas that are in need of increased mass transit availability.

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

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to introduce and support the necessary legislation to provide a dedicated funding source for local mass transit.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to each member of the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly.

Section 3. 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: Charlie Tygard