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R76-27 12-13-76RESOLUTION NO. 76-27 A RESOLUTION BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PEARLAND, TEXAS, RECOMMENDING THAT THE MEMBERS OF THE 65TH TEXAS LEGISLATURE BE URGED TO ENACT IMPLEMENTING LEGISLATION TO MEET THE ESSENTIAL HIGHWAY TRANSPORTATION NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS. WHEREAS, citizens of Texas are concerned that state construction and maintenance funds have remained for several quate and declining level while costs have more than doubled and federal highway years at an inade- since 1967, and, WHEREAS, the current highway funding crisis has resulted in a drastic reduction in the pace of improving the state highway system, and, WHEREAS, there is a backlog of $11 Billion in highway improvement projects and anticipated revenues for construction during_ -the next 20 years of only $1.9 billion, and, WHEREAS, all existing revenue will be needed by 1980 just to maintain the state highway system, with no funds available for upgrading obsolete roads and bridges or for new construction, and, WHEREAS, the present inadequate funding level will adversely affect the state's economy, will result in increased unemployment, will contribute to con- tinued.death and destruction on Texas highways at a rate higher than the national average, and will result in highercosts for the movement of goods and people, and, WHEREAS, Governor Dolph Briscoe has recommended action to alleviate the Texas highway funding crisis by dedicating three-fourths of the automobile sales tax and the general sales tax on tires, tubes, automobile parts and accessories to the state highway fund, supplementing Department of Public Safety operating funds with general revenue appropriations, and utilizing Federal revenue sharing funds for emergency road and bridge capital improvements, and, WHEREAS, these recommendations would produce $825 million in badly needed revenue in the next biennium and $7.1 billion in the next 20 years, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that these recommendations be endorsed and that members of the 65th Texas Legislature enact implementing legislation to meet the of the people of Texas. convening in January, 1977, be urged to essential highway transportation needs PASSED AND APPROVED ON FIRST AND FINAL READING this /g._ day of A. D., 1976. ATTEST &fav )eg)71,4 Mayor, City of Pearland, Texas TEXAS GOOD ROADSITRANSPORTATION ASSOCIATION I GOOD,,, $ Suite 310, Vaughn Building Austin, Texas 78701 OFFICERS \� Q A/C 512 1�78-9351 Chairman AO Off\ WADE LORENZ fr�)!ON pcS Angleton First Vice Chairman JACK JEFFREY November 30, 1976 Waco Second Vice Chairman C.C.GUNN San Antonio Treasurer JAMES E.SAXTON, JR. Austin PAST CHAIRMEN CHARLES K. DEVALL Kilgore TOM K. EPLEN Abilene CALLAN GRAHAM Junction TEXAS MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS: CHARLES F. HAWN Athens RAY-M. KECK,JR:--Laredo Municipal officials are mobilizing effectively -to support JACK H. KULTGEN Governor Dolph Briscoe' s highway funding recommendations. The pro- W. M. NEYLAND gram proposed by Governor Briscoe will alleviate the Texas highway Corpus Christi VIRGIL P. PATTERSON funding crisis. Amarillo FRITZ THOMPSON - Borger Implementing legislation will be sponsored in the 65th session EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE LANDON ALFORD by Representative resentati ve Jim Nugent of Kerrville and Senator Bill Moore of - Henderson Bryan. Representative Nugent has already prefiled H.B. 3. WARREN G. BURRES EARLDallas CALKINS Houston Increased highway funding has been endorsed by the Texas Muni- H.C. CLEMONS cipal League and in resolutions adopted by 81 city councils. Fort Worth p g BRUCE CLOUD San Antonio JACK W. FERRILL We are enclosing a list of the cities -- and others -- who Fort Worth DICK HARRIS are supporting this program. We are also enclosing a copy of a Austin HAYES resolution and a background paper for your information. Port Arthur ARCH LAMB Lubbock We ask you to check the list of the cities. If your city is R. P. aa listed, we appreciate your support. If you are not listed, we hope s Dalllas MARSHALMidlandCREA, JR. you will adopt an appropriate resolution and send copies to Governor FRANK H. NEWNAM,JR. Dolph Briscoe, Lt. Gov. Bill Hobby, House Speaker Bill Clayton -- and Houston JAMES D. PITCOCK, JR. to u s. - Houston W. B.SNELLGROVE Beaumont- -GAINES-VOIGT- success Theuccess of this program depends on the-broadest possible- - ' -- San Antonio public support. • HONORARY MEMBERS - JOE M. DEALEY Dallas Sincerely, JAMES W. FRANCIS /� San Antonio L. P.GILVIN Amarillo DEWITT C. GREER Austin °RUSSELL H. PERRY Eugene W. Robbins Dallas R.O.WILSON Dallas H. B. ZACHRY EWR:rr San Antonio Enclosures 'Past Chairman • STAFF !)GENE W. ROBBINS President WELDON HART Consultant ,. ROBIN RAINOSEK Director of Membership PEARL GRAHAM Director of Administrative Services - President Brazoria County City Association ATTEST: (1/44/41 43-MAIL Secretary . Brazoria County City Association (4111111 'mil City of Port Arthur City of San Saba City of Trinity City of Primera *City of Sealy *City of Universal City City of Ralls City of Seguin City of Waxahachie *City of Raymondville City of Sherman City of Whitney City of Rockport *City of Stafford City of Wichita Falls City of Rockwall *City of Stratford City of Weimar City of Roscoe *City of Sundown *City of Winnsboro *City of San Angelo City of Taylor City of Yoakum *City of San Antonio COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COURTS AND/OR COUNTY JUDGES Atascosa County Galveston County Moore County *Baylor County *Grayson County *Palo Pinto County Bexar County County *Gregg County Parker County *Brazoria County Guadalupe County *Polk County *Burleson County Hardin County Potter County *Caldwell County Harris County *Presidio County *Camp County *Harrison County *Rains County Cass County *Henderson County Randall County *Childress County Hidalgo County Roberts County Cochran County Hill County Rusk County *Coke County *Hockley County San Jacinto County *Colorado County Hopkins County *Sherman County Comal County Jefferson County *Tom Green County Collingsworth County Lampasas County *Victoria County Crosby County *LaSalle County *Walker County *Dallas County Liberty County Webb County *Dawson County *Lubbock County Wharton County DeWitt County McCulloch County Wichita County Ellis County Matagorda County Willacy County *Erath County *Medina County Winkler County Falls County *Midland County Yoakum County Floyd County SERVICE CLUBS Atlanta Lions Club *Kiwanis Club of Henderson- Park Cities Rotary Club Canyon Evening Lions Sunrise of Dallas Claude Lions Club Kiwanis Club of West San Jacinto Lions Club, Daingerfield Kiwanis Club Amarillo Amarillo Dumas Kiwanis Club *Noon Kiwanis Club of Top of Texas Kiwanis Club Gilmer Kiwanis Club Henderson of Pampa *Henderson Optimist Club Panhandle Lions Club Tascosa Lions Club of of Rusk County Amarillo OTHERS Delta Nu Alpha Transportation Fra- Lufkin-Nacogdoches Area Advisory Southwest Agency of Borger ternity, Chap. #118, Lubbock Committee *Stratford Hospital District *Jim Wblls County Master Planning Transportation Club of Lubbock Yorktown Industrial and Develop- and Development Association Methodist Men's Group, San ment Foundation, Inc. Lake Whitney Association Jacinto United Methodist Church, Amarillo FAVORABLE EDITORIALS Accent West (Amarillo) *Diboll Free Press Jacksonville Daily Progress *Alpine Avalanche *Eagle Lake Headlight J-TAC (Student Newspaper of *Amarillo News-Globe Edgewood Enterprise Tarleton State University) *Athens Daily Review Ennis Daily News Kerrville Times *Brady Standard Floydada Hesperian *Kilgore News-Herald Brazosport Facts Fort Stockton Pioneer Lamesa Press-Reporter Breckenridge American Frankston Citizen Lampasas Record Bryan Eagle *Fredericksburg Standard Liberty County Independent *Burleson Star Gatesville Messenger *Longview Morning Journal Chambers County Progress Gainesville Daily Register *Lubbock Avalanche-Journal Colorado County Citizen Gilmer Mirror Mabank Banner Corpus Christi Caller *Graham News Marshall News-Messenger Corsicana Daily Sun Grand Saline Sun McKinney Courier-Gazette *Dallas Morning News Henderson Caily News *Mercedes Enterprise Dallas Times Herald Hereford Brand *Midland Reporter-Telegram Deer Park Progress *Hondo Anvil Herald Nacogdoches Daily Sentinel *Del Rio News Herald *Houston Chronicle *Navasota Examiner-Review Denison Herald Huntsville Item (Commentary *Oak Cliff Tribune Denton Record-Chronicle by Mike Leggett) Orange Leader *Endorsed Governor Briscoe's Program HIGHWAY FUNDING SUPPORTERS RESOLUTIONS, LETTERS, STATEMENTS AND/OR PETITIONS (11-30-76) ASSOCIATIONS Amarillo Board of Realtors South Texas County Judges and *Texas Motor Transportation Association *American Automobile Association, Commissioners Association *Texas Municipal League Texas Division *Texas Aggregates and Concrete Texas Public Employees Association, *County Judges and Commissioners Association Region I • Association of Texas *Texas Automobile Dealers Assoc. *Texas Recreational Vehicle Association Discover Texas Association Texas Forestry Association Texas Tourist Council *Marina Association of Texas *Texas Good Roads/Transportation *U. S. Highway 87 Improvement Assoc- North & East Texas County Judges Association iation and Commissioners Association *Texas Highway Users Conference West Texas County Judges and Commis- Panhandle Plains Auto Club Texas Independent Automobile sioners Association Dealers Association CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE Abilene Chamber of Commerce *Del Rio Chamber of Commerce Nocona Chamber of Commerce *Greater Alief Chamber of Commerce *Dickinson Chamber of Commerce *North Dallas Chamber of Commerce *Alvin Chamber of Commerce *Dumas Chamber of Commerce *Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce Amarillo- Chamber_of_ Commerce _ *East_Texas Chamber of Commerce *Overton Chamber of Commerce Angleton Chamber of Commerce El Campo Chamber of Commerce & Plano Chamber of -Commerce Azle Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce *Bay City Chamber of Commerce El Paso Chamber of Commerce Richardson Chamber of Commerce *Greater Baytown Chamber of Commerce Edinburg Chamber of Commerce *Rockwall Chamber of Commerce *Beaumont Chamber of Commerce Fort Stockton Chamber of Commerce *Rusk County Chamber of Commerce Belton Chamber of Commerce *Fort Worth Area Chamber of Commerce *San Angelo Chamber of Commerce Big Spring Chamber of Commerce Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce *Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Bogata Chamber of Commerce *Gatesville Chamber of Commerce San Augustine Chamber of Commerce *Borger Chamber of Commerce Graham Chamber of Commerce *Seguin and Guadalupe County Chamber Brady Chamber of Commerce Harlingen Chamber of Commerce of Commerce *Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce *Houston Chamber of Commerce *Seymour Chamber of Commerce Brownfield Chamber of Commerce Hughes Springs Chamber of Commerce Silsbee Chamber of Commerce Brownwood Chamber of Commerce *Huntsville-Walker County Chamber *Slaton Chamber of Commerce *Bryan-College Station Chamber of of Commerce *Snyder Chamber of Commerce Commerce *Kilgore Chamber of Commerce Sweetwater Chamber of Commerce Cameron Area Chamber of Commerce Killeen Chamber of Commerce *Taylor Chamber of Commerce *Childress Chamber of Commerce *Lamesa Chamber of Commerce Temple Chamber of Commerce Clarendon Chamber of Commerce *LaPorte-Bayshore Chamber of Terrell Chamber of Commerce *Cleburne Chamber of Commerce Commerce *Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Collingsworth County Chamber of Longview Chamber of Commerce Commerce Commerce Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Trinity Chamber of Commerce Columbus Chamber of Commerce Mabank Chamber of Commerce *Tyler County Chamber of Commerce Commerce Chamber of Commerce Marfa Chamber of Commerce Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce Marshall Chamber of Commerce Whitney Chamber of Commerce Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce Midland Chamber of Commerce Wichita Falls Board of Commerce Corsicana Chamber of Commerce Mineola Chamber of Commerce & Industry Daingerfield Chamber of Commerce Mineral Wells Chamber of Commerce Winnie Area Chamber of Commerce Dallas Chamber of Commerce Nacogdoches County Chamber of Yorktown Chamber of Commerce Deaf Smith County Chamber of Commerce - Commerce - -- CITY COUNCILS AND/OR MAYORS *City of Abilene *City of Crockett City of Kilgore City of Amarillo City of Daingerfield City of Killeen-Harker Heights *City of Angleton City of Dallas City of Knox City City of Arlington City of DeKalb *City of Kyle City of Atlanta City of DeSoto *City of LaGrange City of Azle City of Eagle Pass City of Lake Worth *City of Balmorhea City of El Campo *City of Lampasas *City of Baytown *City of Fritch City of Lewisville *City of Bedford *City of Galena Park *City of Livingston City of Blooming Grove City of Graham *City of Lone Star City of Bogata City of Grandfalls *City of Lufkin *City of Borger City of Henderson City of Mesquite *City of Bridge City City of Houston City of Monahans City of Bridgeport *City of Huntsville City of Mount Pleasant City of Brady *City of Hutchins City of Munday City of Brownsville City of Jefferson City of Navasota City of Caldwell City of Josephine City of Pflugerville *City of Cleveland *City of Katy City of Plano *City. of Columbus City of Kemp *City of Point Comfort *Endorsed Governor Briscoe's Program TEXAS HIGHWAY FUNDING CRISIS ' Whereas, citizens of Texas are concerned that state and federal highway con- struction and maintenance funds have remained for several years at an inade- quate and declining. level while costs have more than doubled since 1967 , and. Whereas , the current highway funding crisis has resulted in a drastic reduction in the pace of improving the state highway system, and Whereas, there is a backlog of $11 billion in highway improvement projects and anticipated revenues for construction during the next 20 years of only $1 .9 billion, and Whereas, all existing revenue will be needed by 1980 just to maintain the state highway system, with no funds available for upgrading obsolete roads and bridges or for new construction, and Whereas, the present inadequate funding level will adversely affect the state's economy, will result in increased unemployment, will contribute to continued death and destruction on Texas highways at a rate higher than the national average, and will result. in higher costs for the movement of goods and people, and Whereas, Governor Dolph Briscoe has recommended action to alleviate the Texas highway funding crisis by dedicating three-fourths of the automobile sales tax and the general sales tax on tires, tubes, automobile parts and accessories to the state highway fund, supplementing Department of Public Safety operating funds with general revenue appropriations, and utilizing Federal revenue sharing funds for emergency road and bridge capitol improvements, and Whereas, these recommendations would produce $825 million in badly needed revenue in the next biennium and $7. 1 billion in the next 20 years, Now therefore be it resolved, that these recommendations be endorsed and that members of the 65th Texas Legislature convening in January, 1977, be urged to enact implementing legislation to meet the essential highway transportation needs of the people of Texas. Adopted September 16, 1976 Texas Good Roads/Transportation Association • I-- '`1 Palestine Herald San Antonio Express ._ylor Press Perryton Herald *San Antonio Light *Temple Daily Telegram *Pittsburg Gazette San Antonio News *Texas Contractor Magazine Pleasanton Express San Marcos Daily Record *Texas Parade Magazine *Plainview Daily Herald - Seguin Gazette Tyler Morning Telegraph *Port Arthur News *Snyder Daily News *Valley Morning Star (Harlingen) Raymondville Chronicle Southwest Farm Press Vernon Daily Record Refugio County Press Stamford American Victoria Advocate *Rockport Pilot Stephenville Empire Tribune Waco Citizen *Rusk Banner Sulphur Springs Daily News- Wellington Leader San Angelo Standard Telegram Wichita Falls Times • PRESS CLIP ` vi �LI n T[xat _ .ytxas. _y. t,':e. t':1' h Pattt 1".tss-81,1", N,- inns no ram sin WSIP.arcs istts,�,i;i, 5.`-'-�'�.'s III KM sP SItriti flews-Tel egram star Sulphur Springs, TX Burleson,Texas OCT 2 61976 ,4\1 ,11976 Editorials: ,,•- : -w1 s, !E IT RSA"LSD N Highways in J' pardy , s, t t c ' Results of a recent survey show an,"adequate" status is to be main- • {' ' most residents of the Dallas-Fort trained. It takes almost that long to �y o.. Worth metropolitan area regard the translate preliminary'concepts into Il �tj�R7 Fund Needs Help state's present highway system as realities. ,J "adequate." North Central Texas is a rapidly The team is a deceptive one, growing area that is dependent to a Sonar en later the piper has to be paid. .utter tomporarsy at the expenas of the The dictionary defines adequate considerable extent on its highways to Before It's toe late,TTesal must come up DHPT.Rrp'll reserve judgement on that as meaning: "1. equal to a require- meet its transportation'needs. ment or occasion;sufficient;suitable, with mons ma money to fund constructionyt a, matter exact the details can be made known 2.barely satisfactory;acceptable but Anticipated population growth wail as maintenance of its roadway system. in more exact terms not remarkable." means a'corresponding increase in the Inflation has taken its toll and moat .But something must be done...and' number-of vehicles using,highways Texans realize that the Texas Department 'uickl Teen cannot afford second cls9s This is a word that covers a great oI Htghwaye and Public Tmmportatlon Ilea q y and,streets and in the Volume Of treatment b1 its highway department.We deal of ground,especially when b re-- freight being moved. fuss years arily out Ito work form suet rho peat ran already see where that will lead:Poorly anted against the long lead time few y by thousands of employees. msall iatained axiatiltg rnada rand•no.work et quired to plan, finance and build The highway system that existed But ee th9 number of employees hen to pro'Yide new reds nor to narrow. highways• in the'area ten years ago would bog dpsslate ao has the,taaiptonanco program eliminate driving hazards such as If the people giving this opinion down badly under the weight of the on.nano made end highways.been scrapped bridges and uamarkework sad crossings. mean that Texas highways are equal traffic now in motion. plans for new highways have been wxpped the appreciate the work by the depart- to present needs,the answer probate_ The existing network is likely to or at beat delayed. meet to hold the line on spending.We don't ly could be regarded as logical, al- be just as far behind the times in The highway system Is ITexas.naible to even mind when grass in some of the though some will dispute this concept 1986, the economic wellbeing of Texas. rights-of-way are not mowed.as long as no For that we support at least in danger in created for motorist.. Like most other large-scale fedi- If Texas is to continue its flourish- principle a program announced by-Gov. ities, however, highways cannot be ing pace, its people must view the Dolph to um u the highway with viewed exclusively by how thoroughly highway Y. P pump P 8h Y It u false tdriveeconomy, price i to delay $ Y g Y problem realistically and emergency relief over the next several much needed construction ark when to they meet present needs. move to clear the present logjam in Yearn• waft would only drive the price higher when The change element is far too new construction. Specifically In the Immediate future the finally it Is done.Eventually we must pay great. Having something that is "ride- Governor wants three fourths of the the piper. Instead highway plans should be quote"just isn't enough under these automobile salon taxes(about tire million geared about a decade ahead if even circumstances. s 1978)plus the salsa lax on thee,tubes Texans depend too heavily on good roads and parts(about 546 million in 1978)to go to allow them to deteriorate needlessly. • 't_ into the highway fund. Just as important,we cannot afford to play -'—"" - :: In addition he would supplement Depart- around with an economy that still is on • '`'^'� meat of Public Safety funds with general shaky ground, Free pn•xs revenue funds by WO million annually.And niboU, r,-oo he would use federal revenue sharing The matter needs full consideration of the NOV 4 1976 money for emergency road capital improve- Legislature and should he a top priority • taenta i8190 million In fiscal 1978). item. ::Se:.•::c•:::^:+.,r.:xfs:?uc•r.•a.:u:::::... I e cases, other ........-........-.;._, - Hann —----- - ._ - n agencies g t -K'.H. • - `.4ragjfeiJ f V IO V S Leader t i Orange•Terns • EDITOIAIALS Eh SEP23I976 - - - - '-- ----- -- _ - --- -- - _,.;'` - - -- --- An E' tiro r i a l - - - -- - - - Texas roads going.to 36t . S s i Dewitt Greer,member of the State cousins would have no roads to get themr R't.` �� Fund Alarm Highway and Public Transportation out of the cities and to the lakes and old Commission and former State Highway homeplacee. Next year's session of the Texas As for new construction,we might be able Engineer, was in town last Friday to The trouble is,few new farm roads Legislature should provide a monotonous to do without some of what has bten plan- present the Road Hand Award to are being constructed,quite obviously symphony,with every state agency singing ned.But the SDHT has taken a hard and Diboll's Arthur Temple. beause the$15 million appropriated in the same song—"give us more money,in- realistic look at what's needed, in But Mr. Greer did not pass up the 1949 doesn't go anywhere at today's y flattenaproblem for fast-Stowing race!-Suburban areas like opportunity to get in some licks on the prices. Why can't the legislature present plight of the Highway understand that? The problem for the taxpayer is whether those fa Orange County. Department. That plight is that the We.approve studlee on mass or not those agencies have taken a truly Projects like widening of FM 105 north of Department is running short of funds tranapgrtatfon. Perhaps nog•• form of bard look at existing spending pro.III• Vidor'and the north-south loop west of. with which to build and maintain Texas 'mass transportation must ?:, .in our many conceived in an era when it ,-,..eci Orange are not luxuries, they are rock- , roads.The chief culprit hen been lilted ' future,dati ive db believe-It'possible like money might never run out, bottom necessities. as inflation.But probably as important that trains are a possibility. But that Credit goes to one agency, the State If It's jade like those that are left on ie the failure of the federal government appears years in the future.Meanwhile, Department of'Highways and Public Tr an-. the pared down construction schedule,then and our state legislature to increase our roads and highways are foiling sportetion,for mating just such a lengthy, Texans would be well advised to tell state highway funds to meet the inflationary apart. When our lawmakers finally band ve,reappraisal of construction, re spiral. Instead,we have federal funds wake up and start approving adequate i � PP rtaxtativea and senatorsys. to provide impounded end state legislators who . hfghway funds again,maintenance costs manpower and maintenance needs. more tax money for highways. want to'break up the highway trust will be ten,perhaps a hundred times The highway people have sounded the Gov,Dolph Briscoe says he can squeeze fund. whet they would be if maintenance were alarm, saying they will have a problem out as add idonal$825 million for highways properly done now. coming up with enough even to maintain in the next two years with"no new taxes." One graphic illustration listed by Mr. Texas has always been able to brag Texas'excellent road system,much less ex- Whether Briscoe's plans and priorities • Greer was the Colson-Briscoe Act, about having the best highways In the pand it where needed. are the best ones or not,the SDHT will need which was passed back in 1999.That is nation.This is greatly due to the efforts It's propaganda,but it's true.More tax moremonay. the law that set up 816 million each two of Dewitt Greer, who has kept the revenues must be allotted to the SDHT to And,to agree with one more argument years by the legislature to build system clean and without corruption. ensure that existing highways are made by the highway lobby,the new money ferm•to•market roads. It is one of the But those years of.work and"diligence adequately maintained, should be dedicated,or earmarked portions most important state laws ever passed. 'will go down the drain unless adequate There's no sorrier waste of Without-it,those of us who live in rural highway funds are approved In the very money than of highway user taxes. Texas would have few of the good farm near future. good highways and farm-to-market roads That fundingapproach will keepthe roads we now ,enjoy,•and our city, of the ;;;, •:, �?,p, allowed to deteriorate to the point where department out the biennial political ="-=� they become unsightly and hazardous. hustle for appropriations, and allow the Check some of our county"roads"for con- kind of expert;long-range planning vital to flrmation of that point. a good road network. f 1 December 16, 1976 { a E . The Honorable Bill Clayton Speaker of the House of Representatives State of Texas P. 0. Box 2910 Austin, Texas 78767 ' . Dear Representative Clayton: Attached -is a copy of a Resolution passed by theCity Council of the City of Pearland regarding the need for increased funding for highways in Texas. We urge your support of efforts to increse highway funding in the State to meet the essential highway transportation needs of the peopleof this State. Yours very truly, Carlton McComb Mayor - City of Pearland, Texas CMc:dlc enc. AM, ink cr December 16, 1976 The Honorable William Hobby Lt. Governor of the State of Texas Capitol Building Austin, Texas 78711 Dear Lt. Gov. Hobby: Attached is a copy of a Resolution passed by the City Council of the City of Pearland regarding the need for increased funding for highways in Texas. We urge your support of efforts to increase highway funding in the State to meet the essential highway transportation needs. of the people of this State. Yours very truly, Carlton McComb Mayor - City of Pearland, Texas CMc:dlc enc. December 16, 1976 Texas Good Roads/Transportation Association Suite 310, Vaughn Building Austin, Texas 78701 Gentlemen: Attached is a copy of a Resolution adopted by the City Council of the City of Pearland on December 13, 1976. Copies of this Resolution have been mailed to the Governor, Lt. Governor arid Speaker of the House. This Resolution was passed unanimously as we realize that there is a great need for additional funds in the State Highway fund to maintain and upgrade our highway system in the State. Yours very truly, Carlton McComb Mayor, City of Pearland CMc:dlc enc. emik December 16, 1976 The Honorable Dolph Briscoe Governor Df Texas Capitol Building Austin, Texas 78711 Dear Governor Briscoe: Attached is a copy of a Resolution passed by the City Council of the City of Pearland regarding the need for increased funding for highways in Texas. We urge your continued efforts to help elleviate the Texas highway funding crisis. Yours very truly, Carlton McComb Mayor - City of Pearland, Texas CMc:dlc enc. 1 2. Ta d! tires, tubes, automobile Darts acceL ,i k and es. These are \0 soj.-rigr111 0 "user" taxes and logically should be dedicated to highways, just as the federal government now dedicates its tax on tires and tubes. In addition, it would simplify collection and record-keeping by service stations. Transferring this tax to the Highway Fund would provide a small but growing source of additional ri ir revenue for highways, raising some $50 million in 1977. 3. Limiting the DPS to $20 million per year in Highway Fund financing. The State Constitution permits part of the Highway Fund to be used for policing Aril IP the highways. In 1956 the DPS received less than a third of its total appropriation from the Highway Fund. This year it is nearly 80%and by 1978 it will rise to 85%. More than one cent of the five-cent motor fuel tax is going to the current operating expenses of the DPS rather than to construction, improvement and 411°P\ -- maintenance of road and bridge facilities. Within ten years, unless a reasonable limitation is imposed, the DPS will absorb all of the revenues from the motor -- fuel tax. VI. WISDOM OF THE DPS LIMITATION No one disputes that the DPS is entitled by the Constitution to a portion of j the Highway Fund to police its highways. In 1956 the DPS appropriation was Ilk $8.9 million, with $2.9 (33%) million derived from the Highway Fund. In that `� year there were 819 highway patrolmen and license and weights officers. In I. 1976 the DPS appropriation is $73.3 million, with $58 (79%) million derived -t 4e from the Highway Fund. This year 1,617 patrolmen and weights and measures ii officers are authorized. While the number of officers policing the highways has . doubled in 20 years, DPS financing from the Highway Fund has increased 20 �Z�h� y times. Many of the activities of the DPS are not related to policing highways and should not be financed from the Highway Fund. VII. WHY NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM WITH A HIGHER MOTOR FUEL TAX? ",11ZCA1X1 While an increase in the five-cent gasoline tax obviously would provide more money for the Highway Fund, every study shows that this tax is no longer infla- tion-proof or a source of continuing growth. To make a substantial dent in the IFsarolblm present construction backlog would require an increase of two cents in the gasoline tax every year for the next 20 years an unrealistic concept at best. VIII. STRONG SUPPORT FOR THE SOLUTION ' Additional highway funding has been endorsed by more than 50 city coun- cils, some 50 commissioners courts, 50 chambers of commerce and some 15 asso- ciations. Approximately 60 daily and weekly newspapers have called for a solution to the crisis and several - including the Dallas Morning News, Del Rio ;, Herald, Houston Chronicle, Longview Journal, Lubbock Avalanche- TEXAS GOOD ROADS/TRANSPORTATION ASSOCIATION Journal, Oak Cliff Tribune, Kilgore News Herald, Athens Daily Re- view, Midland Reporter-Telegram, and Snyder Daily News - - - 4..��000D .i,,, have endorsed the specific proposals made by Governor Briscoe. Support is - Z Suite 310, Vaughn Building growing as public awareness of the problem increases. a Austin, Texas 78701 t� 7 A/C 512 478-9351 A t. c -.ArION l`s' .�LVING THE HIGHWAY FUNDING C2SIS — UNDbythe voters In f946. Under this syst m, projects can be lamed five, ten or � 1 P even 20 years ahead, an important fact r since the average federal aid highway ,. project takes more than eight years to; complete. The system also saves the I. BACKGROUND taxpayers money because the orderly fl w of construction dollars enables the the media and transportation road-building industry to program its a pensive equipment and thereby reduce For some time state and local leaders, overhead costs (which is why Texas juilds highways at less cost per mile groups have foreseen the highway funding problem as one of the most critical than any other state). The funding level is established by road use, which is issues confronting the people of Texas. While other state programs are keeping a true measure of highway needs, and road building is removed to a great extent abreast of inflation, highway construction and maintenance have undergone from the political arena. Texas is surrounded by states which do not have severe reductions. Since 1967 the purchasing power of highway revenues has dedicated highway funds. These state have two things in common: higher been cut in half, to the point that around 1981 there will not be sufficient taxes and poor highways. state funds to match available federal funds and over the next 20 years only $1.9 billion is in sight to handle the backlog of $11 billion (in constant 1975 It is a misnomer that dedicated funds deprive the Legislature of control dollars) for construction and right-of-way projects already approved to meet or accountability. Even dedicated funds must be appropriated in the regular proven needs in every area of Texas. process. In 1956 Congress followed the: Texas example by dedicating user taxes ' to the federal highway trust fund. Without this program it is highly doubtful II. A REALISTIC PLAN that the interstate system would have become a reality. Governor Briscoe has announced a four-part program for alleviating the IV. THE LEVEL OF INCREASED FINDING funding crisis, based partly on suggestions from House Speaker Bill Clayton and 1 other legislative leaders and backed up by an exhaustive private study authorized The total program recommended b1y the Governor would put an additional by the Texas Department of Highways land Public Transportation. The plan is $825 million into the highway system during the 1977-78 biennium. Over 20 based on several widely accepted principles: (1) that highway construction and years the total program would pFoduce about $7.1 billion in constant 1975 maintenance costs should be borne by those who use them; (2) that the healthy dollars, which would reduce the backlog substantially but not entirely. The condition of state finances should be brought to bear on the problem rather recommendations provide an acceptable minimum level program, scaled down than impose new or increased taxes; (3) that new revenues should be dedicated from previous expectations. They represent a 50% increase of funds to the to the Highway Fund in order to provide the continuity essential to long-range Highway Department, but it should be Opted that in the last ten years highway planning. funds have dropped from 27% of the state budget to 15%. The key to this solution is proposed legislation which would: The position of the Governor, the Speaker and other leaders is that highway (1) Dedicate three-fourths of the state sales tax on motor vehicles to funding should join the list of state problems r, auiling urgent attention. They the Highway Fund. have emphasized that attention to this crisis[ii. s r,'' Lompromise the legitimate (2) Dedicate the State's portion of the sales tax on auto parts and needs of other state services. accessories to the Highway Fund. (3) Place a $20 million per year ceiling on Highway Fund monies V. HOW THE PROPOSED SOLUTION WO ._D ;K appropriated to the Texas Department of Public Safety, with the DPS to turn to general revenue sources for its principal funding. � - 1. Motor vehicle sales tax. A present, 4% tax is divided one- fourth to the Available School Fund a;nd three-fourths to the Omnibus Tax In addition, the plan envisions the emergency use of $100 million per year Clearance Fund. The Governor proposes leaving the allocation to the school in federal revenue sharing for the next. two years to finance urgent safety and fund unchanged but moving the remaining three-fourths to the Highway Fund. betterment programs. Motor vehicle sales taxes are "user" tars which properly should be dedicated III. THE CONCEPT OF DEDICATED' FUNDS to highways. No other state programs how financed out of the Omnibus Tax Clearance Fund would be affected because state law requires general revenues Over the years Texas has built the nation's best highway system at a to make up any shortage in this fund. i Actually, the clearance fund has been relatively low cost and financed by the nation's lowest motor fuel tax. This spilling a surplus of more than $100 million a year into the General Fund. has been possible because of the dedicated fund concept. Some highway user This proposal would establish a large an:0 growing source of additional revenue taxes were dedicated to the Highway Fund by Constitutional amendment approved to the Highway Fund — — $203 million:next year. II RESOLUTION IN FAVOR OF LEGISLATION TO MEET THE HIGHWAY TRANSPORTATION NEEDS OF TEXAS WHEREAS, Citizens of Texas are concerned that state and federal highway construction and maintenance funds have remained for several years at an inadequate and declining level while costs have more than doubled since 1967, and WHEREAS, the current highway funding crisis has resulted in a drastic reduction in the pace of improving the state highway system, and WHEREAS, there is a backlog of $11 billion in highway improvement projects and anticipated revenues for construction during the next 20 years of only $1.9 billion, and WHEREAS, all existing revenue will be needed by 1980 just to maintain the state highway system, with no funds available for upgrading obsolete roads and bridges or for new construction, and WHEREAS, the present inadequate funding level will adversely affect the states economy, will result in increased unemployment, will contribute to continued death and destruction on Texas highways at a rate higher than the national average, and will result in higher..:costs for the movement of goods and people, and WHEREAS, Governor Dolph Briscoe has recommended action to alleviate the Texas highway funding crisis by dedicating three-fourths of the automobile sales tax and the general sales tax on tires, tubes, automobile parts and accessories to the state highway fund, supplementing Department of Public Safety operating funds with general revenue appropriations, and utilizing Federal revenue sharing funds for emergency road and bridge capital improvements, and WHEREAS, these recommendations would produce $825 million in badly needed revenue in the next biennium and $7.1 billion in the next '20 years, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Brazoria County City Association go on record as urging the 65th Texas Legislature to endorse these recommendations, and be urged to enact implementing legislation to meet the essential highway transportation needs of the people of Texas. FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to all members of the Texas House of Representatives and Texas Senate, representing Brazoria County, and to the Chairman of the Brazoria County Transportation Planning Commission. PASSED AND APPROVED ON FIRST AND FINAL READING this -//r day of J4/00/WV , A. D., 1977. V". /A1:7, _a President Brazoria County City Association ATTEST: (aF 147) a 1-L L'- . Secretary Brazoria County City Association ✓mot,,. _' s' 1, ' / /j// f A t., ,'`\ t ' Y' .' TEXAS GOOD ROADS/TRANSPORTATION ASSOCIATION „,, °`y,„ ,,,' ps GOOD Ro yJ �+ q� z Suite 310, Vaughn Building `r a o Austin, Texas 78701 OFFICERSchairmen \ A �`Q A/C 512 478-9351 WADE LORENZ o'Pr Al10N OS° Angleton • First Vice Chairman JACK JEFFREY Waco December 22, 1976 Second Vice Chairman C.C.GUNN San Antonio Treasurer JAMES E.SAXTON,JR. Austin PAST CHAIRMEN CHARLES K. DEVALL Kilgore TOM K. EPLEN ' Abilene CALLAN GRAHAM Junction CHARLES F. HAWN Athens RAY M. KECK,JR. Mayor Carl ton McComb Laredo JACK H. KULTGEN City of Pearland W. M. NWacoEYLAND P. D. Box 1157 Cous Christi VIRGIL P. PATTERSON Pearland, Texas 77581 Amarillo FRITZ THOMPSON Borger Dear Mayor McComb: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE LANDON ALFORD Henderson We are pleased to acknowledge the Texas highway funding crisis WARRENG. BURRES Dallas resolution adopted by the City of Pearland on December 13. EARL CALKINS Houston H.FC. LWE IONS Thank you for your interest and timely action. BRUCE CLOUD San Antonio JACK W. FERRILL Sincerely, Fort Worth DICK HARRISS?...... Austin LLOYD HAYES Port Arthur ARCH LAMB Lubbock Eugene W. Robbins R. P. LARKINS Dallas MARSHALL S. McCREA,JR. EWR•rr Midland FRANK H. NEWNAM,JR. Houston JAMES D. PITCOCK,JR. Houston W. B.SNELLGROVE Beaumont GAINES VOIGT San Antonio HONORARY MEMBERS JOE M. DEALEY Dallas JAMES W. FRANCIS San Antonio L. P.GILVIN Amarillo DEWITT C. GREER • Austin RUSSELL H. PERRY Dallas R. 0.WILSON Dallas H. B.ZACHRY San Antonio 'Past Chairman STAFF EUGENE W. ROBBINS President WELDON HART Consultant ROBIN RAINOSEK Director of Membership PEARL GRAHAM Director of Administrative Services ")" .� e 1 State of Texas x , `House of �epreserttative8 ty A c/4ustiri ffy December 23, 1976 DEC 27 .tv lr CITY OF FEARLAND Dear Mayor McComb: I appreciate your sending me a copy of the resolution regarding the Texas highway funding crisis adopted by the City of Pearland. I receive mail each day from people concerned about the highway funding crisis. Every Texan should take the time to inform their legislators because the future design of our state's economy, industry and lifestyle hinges on the policy decisions that legislators will make next session. As Vice-Chairman of the Legislative Budget Board, I supported a recom- mendation to increase Department funding 17.4%. This level of funding will maintain our $33 billion investment in the highway system. Money will also be available to revitalize our highway system and to build new highways. We do not need frills and unnecessary construction in this department any more than we need them in any other government institution, but we do need a solid transportation backbone. There is no alternative to an adequately financed and well -constructed highway system. Sincerely yours, 72iLL. Bill Clayton BC:jp The Honorable Carlton McComb Mayor, City of Pearland Post Office Box 1157 Pearland, Texas 77581 Bii1 Cilaytorr 4 i c�peaJ er 11 1 • f (I i • n - , cr., ,1 11, ... ;7. •is i I I:. ii :ill it .iit( ii iit i I January 3, 1977 is Iik �i J,i; ;i!. 111 .,i, The Honorable A. R. Schwartz I1 State Senator r,`; P. 0. Box 12068 3,.; Austin, Texas 78711 IA''€;. Dear Senator Schwartz: j,. Mayor McComb asked that a copy of the attached Resolution ;j; passed and approved by the Pearland. City Council be forwarded /'' to you. HI! ., Your assistance and support will be appreciated. "v�! t Yours very truly, ' t' . i 0. Dorothy L. Cook lI: City Secretary {.ji 's dic . enc. ei, �jii it 41, 01 • ,1 1 , ii i,t, 41 Ii i ! il;{I f C ir 11,, I, January. 3, 197G Il; The Honorable Joe Hubenak House of Representatives P. 0. Box 2910 di Austin, Texas 73767 fi . Dear Mr. Hubenak: v. rG' Mayor McComb asked that a copy of Resolution No. 76-27 be forwarded to you along with a copy of a letter received from Bill Clayton. Any assistance and support will be greatly appreciated. 1k� Yours very truly, Dorothy L. Cook City Secretary 1 dlc enc. {1 • trt `II I�. IIt II iI! I�: