HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-087 - ADMIN Resolution - City Council - 2006/05/150
RESOLUTION NO. 06-087
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING PASSAGE OF PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE
MINNESOTA CONSTITUTION DEDICATING THE MOTOR VEHICLE SALES TAX
TO TRANSPORTATION
WHEREAS, Minnesota's transportation infrastructure forms the backbone of the state's
economy and has a direct impact on future economic development; and
WHEREAS, funding for highway and transit systems in Minnesota has remained
stagnant and is failing to keep pace with growing population and growing demands; and
WHEREAS, local governments throughout the state are struggling to maintain local
transportation systems while the state's gas tax has not been increased since 1988 and transit
budgets have been cut in recent years; and
WHEREAS, Highway 100 and related bridges and infrastructure are in urgent need of
significant upgrades and improvements; however, these much needed improvements have not
been completed due to shortfalls in state transportation funding; and
WHEREAS, St. Louis Park supports the implementation of light rail transit on the
Southwest Comdor and the construction of light rail in the Southwest Comdor could be
positively impacted by additional dedicated transportation funding; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Legislature has repeatedly turned to revenue from motor
vehicle sales tax, which has been viewed as user fee revenue, in order to fund both highway and
transit systems including the current dedication of 54% of motor vehicle sales tax for
transportation purposes; and
WHEREAS, the legislature passed a proposed constitutional amendment during the 2005
Legislative Session that would appear on the ballot November 7, 2006 asking voters if the
remaining 46% of motor vehicle sales tax revenue currently used for other purposes should be
used for highways and transit systems; and
WHEREAS, passage of this amendment would mean an increase in stable revenue for
highway and transit systems throughout the state that would nse to approximately $300 million
per year once the transfer of revenue is fully phased -in by 2011.
Resolution No. 06-087 -2-
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT
1) The St. Louis Park City Council supports the passage of the amendment to the
Minnesota Constitution (dedicating all of the motor vehicle sales tax revenue to
transportation with at least 40% of the revenue for public transit assistance and not more
than 60% of the revenue for highway purposes) as it is felt the additional funds dedicated
to transportation will result in specific positive benefits to St. Louis Park including, but
not limited to, improvements to Highway 100 and the implementation of light rail on the
Southwest Transit Corridor.
2) The City Council urges the Governor and state Legislature to provide replacement
funding to the state's General Fund as a result of the constitutional amendments
edirection of motor vehicle sales tax dollars from the General Fund to transportation and
tr: sit purposes.
Review -a •r Administration:
"/W_
City Mow, ger
Attest:
r l e("Z
City Clerk
Adopted by the City Council May 15, 2006