Res 1849 9/7/1976RESOLUTION NO. //i/9
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING ADDITIONAL REVENUES
TO SOLVE THE CURRENT TEXAS HIGHWAY FUNDING CRISIS.
WHEREAS, citizens of Texas are concerned that state
and federal highway construction and maintenance funds
have remained for several years at an inadequate and
declining level while costs have more than doubled since
1967; and,
WHEREAS , the current highway funding crisis has re-
sulted in a drastic reduction in the pace of improving
the state highway system; and,
WHEREAS, there is a backlog of $11 billion in highway
improvement projects and anticipated revenues for construc-
tion during the next 20 years of only $1.9 billions and,
WHEREAS, all existing revenue will be needed by 1980
just to maintain the state highway system, with no funds
available for upgrading obsolete roads and bridges or for
new construction; and,
WHEREAS, the State Highway and Public Transportation
Commission has undertaken a thorough study of road improve-
ment needs and revenues which will be required; and,
WHEREAS , Texas highway user taxes -- including the
motor fuel tax and automobile registration fees -- are
the lowest in the nation; and,
WHEREAS, the present inadequate funding level will
adversely affect the state' s economy, will result in
increased unemployment, will contribute to continued death
and destruction on Texas highways at a rate higher than
the national average, and will result in higher costs
for the movement of goods and people;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF ALDERMEN
OF THE CITY OF WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, THAT:
r
a
Governor Dolph Briscoe and members of the 65th Texas
Legislature convening in January, 1977, be urged to provide
adequate additional revenues to meet the basic highway trans-
portation needs of the people of Texas. Additional reven-
ue should be sufficient to restore highway funds eroded
by inflation and to recognize transportation as a high
priority responsibility of the state government.
PASSED AND APPROVED this the 7th day of September,
1976.
M A Y O R
ATTEST:
City Clerk
2 -