Item A: Adoption of 2007 Legislative Policies

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population and transportation system usage continues to grow. Present funds do not allow the City of Eugene to preserve its current investment in maintaining existing transportation and infrastructure or address the increased safety seismic, public transit and growth needs of the people and business in our community. Without additional funding, the existing system will continue to deteriorate. ****FLAG FOR FULL COUNCIL DISCUSSION – TRANSPORTATION ISSUES RELATED TO NEW GROWTH – AS PER COUNCILOR PRYOR REQUEST ON 10/17**** Presently there exists an unfunded backlog of capital preservation projects for the City’s streets (street overlays and reconstructions) of over $100 million. This backlog could grow to more than $232 million by 2011 unless additional capital funding is located. The City is also facing a shortfall in funding for transportation system operation as well. In the fall of 2000, the City Council requested that the Citizen Subcommittee of the Eugene Budget Committee review local funding options to address these needs. The subcommittee concluded that the most critical capital funding need currently facing the City is in addressing the backlog of preservation work for both streets and off-street bike paths. In order to meet this goal of preserving Eugene’s transportation infrastructure, adequate funds are also required for operating and maintaining the system. The subcommittee recommended that the council implement a transportation funding package consisting of a combination local motor vehicle fuel tax and transportation utility fee for the purpose of generating an additional $9 million each year to address the City’s transportation funding needs. In 2003, the City of Eugene adopted a $0.03 gas tax. The Council is considering further proposals consistent with the findings of the subcommittee to address transportation funding needs. The 2003 Legislature passed HB 2041, increasing vehicle titling and registration fees to fund a transportation finance package generating $1.6 billion for state and local bridges repair and replacement. Interstate-5 bridges locally, over the McKenzie and Willamette Rivers, are two highlighted examples of the state’s investment in replacing and strengthening bridges essential to the statewide transportation system for both commercial and general use transit. HB 2041 additionally provides helpful revenue to cities that can be applied to maintenance of existing local transportation systems. Further resources are needed locally though to fully address local system maintenance. Recommendation: 1. Support supplemental transportation funding that: City of Eugene Legislative Policies, 2007 Session With IGR Mtg 10/17 and 10/26 Amendments C:\Documents and Settings\ceexelf\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLK10B\LegPol2007Sesxx1.doc Updated on: 11/6/2006 By: Last saved by ceexmfw 28