HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002 Legislative Agenda
Augusta Richmond GA
DOCUMENT NAME: '2co2 LJ:Slo..-C V<:: 3"do..
DOCUMENT TYPE:1( c~O \ \.A..t~ OJ,
YEAR: 02
BOX NUMBER: } L\
FILE NUMBER: I ~ 320
NUMBER OF PAGES: Z.
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A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING
THE GEORGIA'TRANSIT ASSOCIATION','S
2002 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA ...
WHEREAS, increased public investment in transit services provides the potential to create jobs
and enhance business prosperity; and
WHEREAS, the nation, our communities and our citizens face the risk to health and the
environment that are brought on by automobile exhaust emissions; and
WHEREAS, transportation is vital to the quality of life and economic well-being of the citizens
of Augusta, Georgia and the State of Georgia; and
WHEREAS, workers, school children, senior citizens, people with disabilities, and those
unable to afford an automobile use public transportation to gain access to jobs, schools, medical
, ,facilities and other fundamental services; and
WHEREAS, traffic congestion which wastes productive time can be alleviated through the
increased availability and use of public transportation to gain access to jobs, schools, medical facilities
and other fundamental services.
WHEREAS, the Georgia Transit Association has prepared a legislative agenda that
recommends the following:
1. GTA urges the Georgia DOT and the GRTA to flex funds to transit. GTA'urges the
Georgia DOT to report on an annual basis tp the GoVefl.'lOr, Georgia Regional Transportation Authority
(GRTA), and the General Assembly the dollars eligible for flexing to non-highway use by metropolitan
area of the state and dollars, which were actually flexed.
2. GTA respectfully recommends that the General Assembly pass HB 900 allowing a state
individual income tax credit for persons who purchase their own transit fare cards or have other
qualified personal mass transportation expenses. This credit should be available only to the extent that
employer subsidies for transit ridership do not cover the costs of purchasing transit fare cards, and only
to the extent that such a credit is consistent with federal law.
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3. GTA requests the General Assembly to amend state law to assist local transit systems in
acquiring clean fuel vehicles by allowing a state participating share of 15 %.
4. GT A commends thid]overnor and General Assembly and appreciates the increased
. appropriations to public transit, which show state policymakers' commitment to improve air quality and
provide transportation alternatives to Georgia's citizens. GTA urges the General Assembly to maintain
the momentum and continue funding public transit capital projects, both urban and rural.
5. GT A recommends that the General Assembly appropriate funds for operating assistance to
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Georgia's rural and urban transit systems. Such assistance would ease the burden on city and county
property taxpayers who must now provide for transit operating costs for this revenue source.
6. Georgia should consider other sources of revenue for support of its public transit systems,
including general fund approp'riations, 'vehicle registration fees, and amending the Georgia Constitution
to allow motor fuel tax proceeds to be used for any transportation purpose.
7. GTA requests the General Assembly to pass legislation that provides felony penalties for
assault or battery on a transit operator or school bus driver transporting passengers. This legislation
should create a felony offense regardless of whether or not the perpetrator uses a weapon.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Augusta-Richmond County Commission that
the City of Augusta supports the Georgia Transit Association's 2002 Legislative Agenda.
Duly adopted this 2 day of January 2002.
BY:
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Clerk of Commission