RES 06-030
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RESOLUTION 06- 30
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ELK RIVER
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING PASSAGE OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT
TO THE MINNESOTA CONSTITUTION DEDICATING ALL OF THE MOTOR
VEHICLE SALES TAX REVENUE TO TRANSPORTATION WITH AT LEAST 40
PERCENT OF THE REVENUE FOR PUBLIC TRANSIT ASSISTANCE AND NOT
MORE THAN 60 PERCENT OF THE REVENUE FOR HIGHWAY PURPOSES
WHEREAS, Minnesota's transportation infrastructure forms the backbone of the state's economy
and has a direct impact on future economic development; and
WHEREAS, too many Minnesotans are being killed in traffic crashes on dangerous roadways; and
WHEREAS, funding for highway and transit systems in Minnesota has remained stagnant and is
failing to keep pace with growing population and growing demands; and
WHEREAS, local governments throughout the state are struggling to maintain local transportation
systems while the state's gas tax has not been increased since 1988 and transit budgets have been cut
in recent years; and
WHEREAS, the Minnesota Legislature has repeatedly turned to revenue from the motor vehicle
sales tax, which has been viewed as a user fee revenue, in order to fund both highway and transit
systems including the current dedication of 54 percent of motor vehicle sales tax for transportation
purposes; and
WHEREAS, the legislature passed a proposed constitutional amendment during the 2005
Legislative Session that would appear on the ballot November 7, 2006 asking voters IF the
remaining 46 percent of motor vehicle sales tax revenue currendy used for other purposes should be
used for highways and transit systems, and
WHEREAS, passage of this amendment would mean an increase in stable revenue for highway and
transit systems throughout the state that would rise to approximately $300 million per year once the
transfer of revenue is fully phased in by 2011.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Elk River,
Minnesota, strongly supports passage of the proposed amendment to the Minnesota Constitution
dedicating all of the motor vehicle sales tax revenue to transportation with at least 40 percent of the
revenue for public transit assistance and not more than 60 percent of the revenue for highway
purposes.
Passed and adopted this 6th day of March, 2006.
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06-30