HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-02-09 City Council (7)City of Palo Alto
City Manager’s Report
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
CITY MANAGER
FEBRUARY 9, 2004
7
DEPARTMENT: CITY MANAGER
CMR:153:04
ENDORSEMENT OF A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF REGIONAL
MEASURE 2 - REGIONAL TRAFFIC RELIEF PLAN
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that Council direct staff to prepare a resolution of support for Regional
Measure 2 - the Regional Traffic Relief Plan, which will be on the State ballot in March
2004.
BACKGROUND
In 2002, the California Legislature held hearings on the topic of traffic congestion in the
Bay Area. The Senate Select Committee on Bay Area Transportation determined that
traffic congestion will increase dramatically over the next 20 years. Forecasts reviewed
by the Committee estimated that transbay traffic will increase by more than 40 percent
and general traffic congestion could increase by an average of 250 percent by 2025.
To address this problem, the Committee recommended a $1 toll increase on all state
owned Bay Area bridges with the exception of the Golden Gate. The toll increase is
expected to generate approximately $125 million annually. Funding will be directed to
projects that relieve congestion on Bay Area bridges and freeway connectors. The
Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) will oversee the distribution of these
funds.
DISCUSSION
Two projects identified in the Regional Traffic Relief Plan would have a direct impact on
Palo Alto: the Dumbarton Bridge rail and the express bus service expansion. The
Dumbarton Bridge project would provide a transbay rail crossing and allow for a
connection between the Union City BART and Millbrae BART/Caltrain stations. The
CMR:!53:04 Page 1 of 2
express bus service project would provide for additional bus service in downtown Palo
Alto.
The toll increase is considered a fee, not a tax. As a result it will only require a majority
vote. Only voters within the seven Bay Area counties with bridges in their jurisdictions
will be allowed to vote on the measure. Santa Clara County is one of the seven counties.
If approved by the voters, the measure will take effect on July 1, 2004, and the $1 bridge
toll increase would be permanent.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
This resolution is consistent with existing City policies.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This staff report does not represent a project under the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA).
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A:Sample Resolution- Regional Traffic Relief Plan
PREPARED BY:
CHRIS MOGt~EN
Assistant to the City Manager
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
EMIL gON
Assistant City Manager
CMR: 153:04 Page 2 of 2
NOT YET APPROVED
RESOLUTION NO.
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALO
ALTO DECLARING ITS SUPPORT FOR MEASURE 2 --
REGIONAL TRAFFIC RELIEF PLAN
WHEREAS, the Bay Area’s population is expected to grow by
approximately 1.5 million residents between now and 2025; and
WHEREAS, the Senate Select Committee on Bay Area
Transportation has determined that traffic congestion will increase
by more than 40 percent and general traffic congestion could
increase by an average of 250 percent by 2025 as a result the
population growth; and
WHEREAS, Measure 2 will be before the voters of the
counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Mateo, Santa Clara
and Solano and the City and County of San Francisco on March 2,
2004. If approved, Measure 2 will increase tolls on all Bay Area
Bridges, except the Golden Gate Bridge, by $i. The new toll funds
are expected to generate over $125 million a year for new
transportation improvements in the bridge corridors and will be
used to implement the Regional Traffic Relief Plan ("the Plan");
and
WHEREAS, included in the Plan is the Dumbarton Bridge rail
project and the express bus services expansion project. The
Dumbarton Bridge Rail project will provide a transbay rail crossing
and allow for a connection between Union City BART and Millbrae
BART/Caltrain stations. The express bus services project will
provide for additional bus services in downtown Palo Alto. Both
projects will directly impact the City of Palo Alto;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Council of the City of Palo Alto does
hereby resolve as follows:-
SECTION i. The Council hereby finds that the approval of
Measure 2, the Regional Traffic Relief Plan, will afford the City
of Palo Alto the opportunity to improve transportation to the City
of Palo Alto as well as provide additional bus services in downtown
Pa!o Alto.
SECTION 2. The Council hereby declares its support of Measure
2 because it could positively affect the City of Palo Alto and its
citizens.
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NOT YET APPROVED
SECTION 3. The Council finds that the adoption of this
resolution is not a project under CEQA Guidelines and, therefore,
no environmental review is required.
INTRODUCE AND PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSENTIONS:
ATTEST:APPROVED:
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Senior Asst. City Attorney
Mayor
City Manager
Director of Community Services
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