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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