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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem C: SAFETEA-LU Policies ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Work Session: Adoption of Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) Policy Recommendations Meeting Date: October 13, 2008 Agenda Item Number: C Department: City Manager’s Office Staff Contact: Brenda Wilson www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 682-8441 ISSUE STATEMENT This is an action item to endorse recommended policies for the upcoming reauthorization of the Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (commonly known by its acronym, SAFETEA-LU). These policy recommendations will be sent to the congressional delegation as part of the federal priority process. BACKGROUND The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA- LU) is the most recent federal transportation bill authorizing funding for the nation’s surface transportation programs. Signed into law in August 2005, SAFETEA-LU replaced the expired Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21). The law establishes funding levels and policies for the federal government’s highway, highway safety, transit, motor carrier, and some rail programs administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation. SAFETEA-LU expires September 30, 2009. For the past several months, staff has been collaborating with federal priority partners to draft policy recommendations for the upcoming reauthorization of SAFETEA-LU. The partners determined that in order to meet current and growing challenges, a re-thinking of the federal surface transportation program is recommended. Accordingly, staff recommends that the next federal surface transportation bill should put forth an outcome-based framework that identifies national priorities but allows communities the flexibility to develop the most locally effective and efficient solutions for mobility, congestion management, and safety. In addition, the program would provide for sustainable transportation systems and funding strategies. In light of these policy recommendations, the partners recommend support for federal funding related to the following program areas: ? Preserving Existing Assets ? Investing in Multi-Modal Transportation Solutions ? Enhancing Public Safety ? Supporting Strategic Economic Investments 1 Z:\CMO\2008 Council Agendas\M081013\S081013C.doc RELATED CITY POLICIES Adoption of the SAFETEA-LU policy recommendations is the making or affirming of the City of Eugene’s policy with respect to federal legislative issues or such other matters as may come to the council from the committee. COUNCIL OPTIONS The council may: 1.Adopt the SAFETEA-LU policy recommendations. 2.Modify the SAFETEA-LU policy recommendations. CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION The City Manager recommends Council Option 1 - Adopt the SAFETEA-LU policy recommendations. SUGGESTED MOTION Move to adopt the SAFETEA-LU policy recommendations. ATTACHMENTS Note: SAFETEA-LU Policy Recommendations will be provided under separate cover. FOR MORE INFORMATION Staff Contact: Brenda Wilson Telephone: 682-8441 Staff E-Mail: brenda.s.wilson@ci.eugene.or.us Z:\CMO\2008 Council Agendas\M081013\S081013C.doc