Title
A resolution expressing intent to collaborate with the City of Milwaukee to utilize federal funds of $54.9 million to enhance Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) services.
Body
by recommending adoption of the following:
A RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, on July 26, 2011, the Milwaukee Common Council voted 10-5 in favor of moving the “Milwaukee Streetcar” project forward to the next phase of final engineering; and
WHEREAS, the $64.6 million project would develop the initial two-mile streetcar line on fixed tracks powered by overhead electric lines; and
WHEREAS, the estimated annual operating cost is $2.65 million for the initial streetcar route of approximately 2.1 miles (phase 1); and
WHEREAS, the capital costs for the initial route are estimated at $64.6 million, of which, federal funding would supply $54.9 million, and $9.7 million will come from local sources; and
WHEREAS, City of Milwaukee Mayor, Tom Barrett, has gone on the record stating he would like to see the City contract with the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) to possibly operate the line; and
WHEREAS, as the Milwaukee County Transit System continues to face funding challenges and service cuts, Milwaukee County should not enter into any contractual agreements where funding has not yet been identified and/or secured for operational purposes not beneficial to Milwaukee County; and
WHEREAS, bus service for MCTS is currently facing approximately a $7million reduction in aid from the State, which may result in massive cuts to routes and service; and
WHEREAS, at a time when MCTS is continuing to lose federal and state funding for bus services, it is reasonable and sensible that MCTS not be responsible for operating costs of another local entities projects unless mutual agreements have been reached addressing funding prospects for all parties involved; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors hereby expresses intent to collaborate with the City of...
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