Bush’s Budget: No Increase in 2004 Transit Funds
President Bush’s budget proposal for FY2004 would give highways a 6 percent increase in funding while holding public transit funds even… no increase.
Download: 020303BushBudget.doc (21.5 KB).
Congress considers a gas tax increase
The US Congress is considering an increase in the federal motor fuels tax in the range of from five to twelve cents a gallon in order to pay for public transit funds to mitigate ever-increasing traffic congestion. The last increase was in 1993. The Bush administration has said it opposes any new taxes now, but an increasing number of lawmakers say the gas tax increase may be the only way possible to finance needed highway projects. Each cent increase in the gas tax generates about $1.7 billion in new revenues.
Download: 020403FedGasTax.doc (25 KB).
DART Light Rail continues to spur Economic Development
DART’s highly-popular light rail system continues to promote economic development as property values have increased by 25 percent in areas nearer to DART rail stations, compared to those farther away, according to the Center for Economic Development and Research at the University of North Texas. Read the attached article for more.
Download: 012803DARTeco.doc (20.5 KB).
Metroplex Transit Jockeying; Regional Transit Idea
North Texas leaders continue to jockey regarding the need for a regional approach to public transportation. Discussions on exceeding the local sales tax, now capped at two percentage points, are proving difficult for area legislators. See the article.
Download: 022003 Regional.doc (29.5 KB).