HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem #10 Approval of Resolution Supporting SunRail limmo`r
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AGENDA ITEM COVER SHEET
Meeting Date: April 19, 2011
Item # /0
Reviewed By.' 7/.
Contact Name: Stephen C. Krug rug Department Director:
Contact Number: 6002 City Manager: 1 7'
Subject: Resolution Supporting SunRail.
Background Summary:
At the March 9, 2011 meeting of the MetroPlan Orlando Board, a great deal of discussion was held
regarding the importance of the commuter rail project to the Central Florida region. With gas prices
continuing to soar and air quality getting worse, those present felt it more apparent than ever that the
regions governments continue to present a united front surrounding this project. It is important to our
region now, and is especially important to our region's future. The Board decided to ask each local
government in our region to send a resolution of support for the project.
Ocoee's execution of this resolution supporting the SunRail project is another distinctive step in the long
range plan for providing commuter rail through Ocoee. Staff recommends approval.
Issue:
Should the City Commission execute the resolution supporting the SunRail Commuter train project.
Recommendations
Recommend City Commission approve the resolution supporting SunRail to demonstrate the regional
support for the project to the State Government.
Attachments:
Resolution Supporting SunRail.
Financial Impact:
There is no financial impact.
Type of Item: (please mark with an "x")
Public Hearing For Clerk's Dept Use:
Ordinance First Reading Consent Agenda
Ordinance Second Reading Public Hearing
Resolution Regular Agenda
x Commission Approval
Discussion & Direction
Original Document/Contract Attached for Execution by City Clerk
Original Document/Contract Held by Department for Execution
Reviewed by City Attorney N/A
Reviewed by Finance Dept. N/A
Reviewed by ( ) N/A
RESOLUTION NO. 2011-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF OCOEE, FLORIDA,
SUPPORTING SUNRAIL, CENTRAL FLORIDA'S FIRST
PASSENGER RAIL PROJECT.
WHEREAS, alternative forms of transportation must be provided at the local,
regional and state level to provide a sustainable future for the State of Florida; and
WHEREAS, travel demand in Central Florida is growing and expected to rapidly
increase in the coming decades; and
WHEREAS, there is currently a lack of transportation alternatives for commuters
in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia Counties in Central Florida;
WHEREAS, following more than a decade of planning, SunRail, Central
Florida's first passenger rail line, was unanimously approved by the governing bodies of
Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia Counties, and the City of Orlando ( "Local
Government Partners "); and
WHEREAS, the 61.5 mile commuter rail project from Volusia County to
Osceola County provides a transportation alternative for 15 percent of the state's
population and direct connections with two of the region's largest employers; and
WHEREAS, an economic impact analysis of the planned system shows more
than $981 million in commercial business sales and 11,523 jobs tied to construction and
operation of the system over the next 30 years; and
WHEREAS, an economic impact analysis of future transit - oriented development
plans along the 61.5 mile system shows such development within a half -mile radius of
the station stops is expected to directly account for an additional 38,310 permanent jobs
in Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia Counties; and
WHEREAS, an economic impact analysis shows a secondary impact, realized
when workers spend earnings in the area, is forecasted to exceed $2.5 billion; and
WHEREAS, implementation of SunRail will result in overall social and
environmental benefits, improve the quality of life in the state, stimulate economic
growth, create new employment opportunities, and serve as a positive growth
management catalyst; and
WHEREAS, SunRail will greatly benefit all of the citizens of and visitors in the
region, and is needed in order to relieve traffic congestion in the I -4 corridor.
WHEREAS, it is more critical than ever to provide the traveling public with
transportation alternatives as proposed revisions to federal air quality standards put
Central Florida at risk of being declared a non - attainment area, which could result in
sanctions and loss of federal transportation funding; and
WHEREAS, SunRail serves as the backbone for a larger transit plan for the
region and provides a foundation for new passenger rail projects throughout the state's
urban areas; and
WHEREAS, SunRail represents a strong partnership between the local, state, and
federal governments; and
WHEREAS, financial commitments for SunRail have been made by the Local
Government Partners and state funding is contained in the Five -Year Work Program of
the Florida Department of Transportation; and
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Commission of the City
of Ocoee, Florida that:
Section 1. The City of Ocoee supports the design, construction, and
implementation of the Commuter Rail Project in the Central Florida area; and
Section 2. The City of Ocoee requests the Florida Legislature and Governor
continue to work in cooperation with citizens and local governments throughout Central
Florida to finalize the project; and
Section 3. The City of Ocoee requests Governor Scott to approve releasing the
contracts submitted by the Florida Department of Transportation to begin construction of
the project and provide much needed jobs in Central Florida.
PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Commission of the City of Ocoee, Florida this
day of , 2011.
APPROVED:
ATTEST: CITY OF OCOEE, FLORIDA
Beth Eikenberry, CMC, City Clerk S. Scott Vandergrift, Mayor
(SEAL)
FOR USE AND RELIANCE ONLY BY APPROVED BY THE OCOEE CITY
THE CITY OF OCOEE, FLORIDA; COMMISSION AT A MEETING HELD
APPROVED AS TO FORM ON , 2011.
this day of , 2011 UNDER AGENDA ITEM NO.
FOLEY & LARDNER, LLP
By:
City Attorney