12. Resolution 5020 - Amtrak SupportCity of Kalispell
Post Office Box 1997 - Kalispell, Montana 59903-1997 - Telephone (406) 758-7000 Fxx - (406) 758-7758
REPORT TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: James H. Patrick, City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution Supporting Federal Funding for AMTRAK
MEETING DATE: June b, 2005
BACKGROUND: AMTRAK rail service provides safe, reliable transportation throughout the
nation and within the State of Montana. Passenger rail transportation brings many visitors to this
area and is a key component to the tourism industry within this region. It is important to the City
of Kalispell. the County and the nation to continue to adequately fund and support the multi -
model transportation system throughout the State and nation.
The attached resolution urges of Congressional Senators and Representatives as well as the
President to reauthorize funding for AMTRAK.
RECOMMENDATION: That Council approve the attached Resolution urging Congressional
and Presidential support for the reauthorization of funding for AMTRAK.
FISCAL EFFECTS: None unless funding is not reauthorized and AMTRAK discontinues
service to this area.
ALTERNATIVES: As suggested by the City Council
Respectfully submitted,
J�ies H. Patrick, City Manager
RESOLUTION NO.5020
A RESOLUTION URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS .AND THE
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES TO REAUTHORIZE FUNDING FOR
AMTRAK.
WHEREAS, the City of Kalispell and the United States of America need to ensure the safety,
quality, reliability, and efficiency of transportation around the state, and
throughout the nation; this includes an array of options such as air, rail, bus and
automobile; and
WHEREAS, passenger rail is necessary because it allows people to travel quickly and
inexpensively, in areas that often have no other form of public transportation; and
WHEREAS, our citizens use rail to travel between cities, states, and even into Canada. Some
depend on it as a mode of transportation between home and work, and/or home
and family; and
WHEREAS, it is important to continue to adequately fund and support the multi -model
transportation system throughout our state and nation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
KALISPELL AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION I. The City of Kalispell finds it necessary to urge Montana's delegation in
the United States Congress as well as the President of the United States to
support the continued operations of Amtrak and transcontinental passenger
rail transportation.
SECTION II. In order to support the railway industry, the City of Kalispell urges the
United States Congress and the President of the United States to
reauthorize the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21).
SECTION III. In order to maintain a viable national long distance passenger rail system,
the City of Kalispell urges the United States Congress to not pass the
Passenger Rail Investment Reform Act, which calls for a "phased
reduction of operating subsidies to Amtrak's 17 long-distance routes,"
including the Empire Builder.
PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AND SIGNED BY THE MAYOR OF
THE CITY OF KALISPELL, THIS 6TH DAY OF JUNE, 2005.
ATTEST:
-Theresa White
City Clerk
Pamela B. Kennedy
Mayor