HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES 3104 CITY OF RENTON, WASHINGTON
RESOLUTION NO. :3.104
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF RENTON, WASHINGTON, OPPOSING
THE REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY PLAN
WHEREAS, the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) is proposing
the first of a multi-part project for regional transportation
called Vision 2020 and the first phase of the project is rail; and
WHEREAS, the RTA has stated that rail alone will not solve
congestion problems; and
WHEREAS, the City of Renton must provide adequate
transportation facilities to meet regional mandates shown in
ii
Vision 2020 under the Growth Management Act (GMA) and Commute Trip
. Reduction Act (CTR) ; and
WHEREAS, the RTA is not stating. the. total costs of
'r
j transportation facilities . needed to support the regional
transportation plan for Vision 2020 which includes, multi-modal
solutions of which rail is just one element; and
WHEREAS, the preliminary estimate for these facilities in
Vision 2020 and as reported by Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC)
is $60 billion, and the PSRC has identified a $23 billion
shortfall between what the current revenue system will produce and
what transportation improvements are needed by 2020; and
WHEREAS, the RTA estimate does not include any increased
costs to households based on increases in State taxes to cover the
State funding assumed by the RTA; and
WHEREAS, in ten years the RTA will review whether there is
the financial ability to complete Phase I of the project in 16
RESOLUTION NO. 3104
years as is planned, and, if not, the RTA can cut back parts of
the Phase I proposal, seek additional revenues or extend the time
frame for construction and tax collection; and
WHEREAS, the RTA system plan assumes federal and state
grants, and the RTA assumes federal grants of $1 .5 billion of
which only $325 million are specifically identified and earmarked,
and the RTA assumes state grants of $2 .4 billion although none are
specifically identified or committed; and
WHEREAS, there are. additional specific implications for
Renton residents; and
WHEREAS, the City of Renton has planned a local transit
distribution system which will cost millions over the next twenty
years and those costs have not been included in. Vision 2020 cost
figures; and: .
WHEREAS, the City of Renton population represents 1 . 8% of the
total population in the RTA district and the amount of money
allocated from the RTA Phase I capital program for the Renton area
( I-405 corridor south of May Creek) is $50 million which is less
than 1% of the total amount allocated; and
WHEREAS, sales tax revenue for RTA district based on 1993
taxable sales in the RTA district are estimated at $30 . 783
billion; and
WHEREAS, taxable sales in Renton for 1993 were $1 . 179 billion
which represents. 3 . 8% of the total taxable sales in the RTA
district, and is more than twice Renton ' s pro-rata share based on
its population of about 1 .8% of the RTA district population; and
2
RESOLUTION NO. 3104
WHEREAS, for a new vehicle with a valuation of $20, 000 the
motor vehicle excise tax to register the vehicle would increase by
about $60 and annual motor vehicle excise tax for all car owners
will increase by about 14% of the depreciated valuation of the
vehicle which is 2 .2% to 2 .5% .
WHEREAS, if the same funding mechanisms were used to fund the
remaining $23 billion short fall, the result would be
approximately $380 per year, per household with an income of
$40, 000 and an automobile valuation of $11, 000 . This will rise
with inflation.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE .CITY OF RENTON,
WASHINGTON, DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I. The above recitals are found to be true and
correct in all respects .
SECTION II. The Renton City Council. goes on record as
opposing the RTA Phase I proposal until the public is fully
informed of the total transportation costs for all phases of the
project allowing them to make an informed choice.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL this 6th day of February ,
1995 .
Marilyn tersen, City Clerk
APPROVED BY THE MAYOR this 6th day of February , 1995 .
Earl Clymer, Ma o
3
RESOLUTION NO. .3104
Approved as to form:
Lawrence J. War n, City Attorney
RES.426 :2/6/95 :as .
z
4