2016-1337 Resolution No. 2016 -1337
A proposed resolution urging the Governor and Legislature to "Just Fix It" by agreeing
upon an adequate and sustainable solution to fund Wisconsin's transportation system
WHEAREAS, a safe, reliable multi -modal transportation system is essential for a strong
and competitive economy; and
WHEREAS, Wisconsin's diverse economy is dependent upon county and town roads as
well as city and village streets and transit systems across the state; and
WHEREAS, local government in Wisconsin is responsible for about 90% of the road miles
in the state; and
WHEREAS, streets and transit systems under local jurisdiction are funded by a
combination of federal, state, and local funding sources and highways under state jurisdiction are
funded by a combination of federal and state sources; and
WHEREAS, according to "Filling Potholes: A New Look at Funding Local Transportation
in Wisconsin," commissioned by the Local Government Institute of Wisconsin (LGI) the condition
of Wisconsin's streets and highways is now in the bottom third of the country; and
WHEREAS, state funding for local roads in Wisconsin has failed to keep up with costs
over the past several decades which has adversely affected local transportation finances.
According to "Filling Potholes," municipal transportation spending has declined from $275 per
capita in 2000 to $227 in 2012; and
WHEREAS, state imposed levy limits do not allow local government to make up for the
deterioration of state funding; and
WHEREAS, Wisconsin's over - reliance on borrowing to fund the State segregated
transportation fund eats away at the state's segregated revenue sources — the state gas tax and
vehicle registration fees — which increasingly pay debt service rather than fund transportation
needs; and
WHEREAS, safety is a primary concern and responsibility of local governments across
Wisconsin. Unfortunately, according to TRIP, a national non - profit transportation research
group, Wisconsin had 347 non - interstate, rural road fatalities in 2013; and
WHEREAS, the Common Council of the City of Janesville recognizes that our state
highway and interstate system is the backbone of our surface transportation system and plays a
vital role in the economy of Wisconsin. Both local and state roads need to be properly
maintained in order for our economy to grow; and
WHEREAS, from a competitive standpoint Wisconsin motorists pay significantly less than
any of our neighboring Midwestern states when you combine the annual cost of the state gas tax
and vehicle registration fees; and
WHEREAS, the Transportation Finance and Policy Commission, appointed by the
Governor and Legislature clearly found that if Wisconsin does not adjust its user fees, the
condition of both our state and local roads will deteriorate significantly over the next decade.
Resolution No. 2016 -1337
Page 2
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of Janesville
urges the Governor and Legislature to Just Fix It and agrees upon a sustainable solution: one
that includes a responsible level of bonding and adjusts our user fees to adequately and
sustainably fund Wisconsin's transportation system. Furthermore, the Common Council directs
the Clerk to send a copy of this resolution to our State Legislators and to Governor Scott Walker.
ADOPTED: August 22, 2016 Motion by: Consent
Second by:
APPROVED: Councilmember Aye Nay Pass Absent
Deupree X
� ���///���,,, Gruber X
Mark A. Fre ag, City Manager Jorgensen X
Liebert X
ATTE : / Marklein X
►��/ Tidwell X
i���Jr i Williams X
David T. Godek, City Clerk- Treasurer
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Wald Klimc yk, City Attorney
Proposed by: Council President Liebert and
Councilmember Marklein
Prepared by: Public Works Department