1693 - Resolution - Amtrak and State Inter-City Rail ProgramRESOLUTION NO. 1693
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF PORT ORCHARD,
WASHINGTON SUPPORTING CASCADIA TASK FORCE FOR THE
AMTRAK AND STATE INTER -CITY RAIL PROGRAM.
WHEREAS, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation ("Amtrak") was
established by Congress in 1970 to provide and sustain a nationwide network of
intercity passenger trains;
WHEREAS, increased use of passenger trains will help to reduce
America's reliance of imported oil, contribute to our region's economic vitality
and enhance our global competitiveness;
WHEREAS, Amtrak is energy efficient and environmentally -beneficial,
consuming half as much energy per passenger -mile as airlines and causing less air
pollution;
WHEREAS, Amtrak provides mobility to citizens of many smaller
communities poorly served by air and bus services, as well as to those senior
citizens, people with disabilities, students, persons with medical conditions
preventing them from flying who need trains as a travel option;
WHEREAS, Amtrak is nine times safer than driving on a per passenger -
mile basis, and operates even in severe weather conditions;
WHEREAS, Amtrak rose 48% from 1982 to 1993 and Amtrak dramatically
improved coverage of its operating costs from revenues;
WHEREAS, enhancement of Amtrak services and the development if High
Speed Rail in the Cascadia region can reduce the need for auto trips and short -
haul flights, thus extending the useful lives of existing transportation
infrastructures and resources like Interstate 5 and the Seattle -Tacoma
International Airport;
WHEREAS, expansion of Amtrak service by using existing rail rights -
of -way would cost less and use less land than new highways or airports, and would
further increase Amtrak's energy -efficiency advantage;
WHEREAS, the Washington State Transportation Commission has
determined that the state cannot afford to construct additional freeways in the
future, and has determined that development of passenger and freight rail is a
viable alternative to provide transportation capacity in the future;
WHEREAS, states may use highway trust fund money as an 80% federal
match for a variety of non -highway programs; but are prohibited from using such
moneys for Amtrak projects;
WHEREAS, Amtrak pays a fuel tax that airlines do not pay;
Resolution No. 1693
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WHEREAS, Amtrak workers and vendors pay more in taxes than the
federal government invests in Amtrak;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORT ORCHARD, DOES
HEREBY URGE PRESIDENT CLINTON AND THE CONGRESS TO TAKE THE FOLLOWING STEPS:
THAT: Federal funding of Amtrak not be reduced;
THAT: Amtrak be excused from paying fuel taxes that airlines
do not pay;
THAT: States be given the flexibility to use Federal Highway
Trust Fund moneys on Amtrak if they so choose; and
THAT: Federal officials include a strong Amtrak system in any
plans for a National Transportation System.
Passed by the City Council of the City of Port Orchard, APPROVED by
the Mayor and attested by the Clerk in authentication of such passage this 13th
day of February, 1995
LESLIE J. WEATHERILL, MAYOR
ATTEST:
Patricia Parks, City Clerk