21-10RESOLUTION NO. 21-10
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA IN
OPPOSITION TO SB 1130, A BILL THAT WOULD DISSOLVE THE
TAMPA BAY AREA REGIONAL TRANSIT AUTHORITY, AND URGING
STATE LEGISLATORS TO MAINTAIN TBARTA'S ABILITY TO BENEFIT
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS THROUGH COORDINATION OF REGIONAL
TRANSIT INITIATIVES.
WHEREAS, Tampa Bay is a rapidly growing region, with a population expected to
grow by more than 1 million people between 2015 and 2045.
WHEREAS, Clearwater and Pinellas County currently face significant traffic
congestion problems, which will be compounded in the coming years by continued
population growth and the increasing need of workers commuting across county lines for
employment.
WHEREAS, Clearwater can benefit from increased federal funding to support
transit and transportation initiatives that can help our residents, workers, and visitors
move throughout the Tampa Bay region, which includes Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee,
Pasco and Hernando counties.
WHEREAS, the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority's (TBARTA) purpose
is to support local government's transportation needs through coordination of regional
transit initiatives. TBARTA's regional voice can help St. Petersburg meet local needs
through increased federal transit funding.
WHEREAS, TBARTA is already providing regional transportation service to
residents most in need, demonstrating its ability to resolve regional transportation
problems. Through TD Tampa Bay, TBARTA now provides county -to -county
transportation to those who qualify as transportation disadvantage because of age,
income, or disability. This regional service has long been identified as a need for the
transportation disadvantaged population and was unfilled prior to TBARTA's development
of TD Tampa Bay.
WHEREAS, SB 1130 would deprive Clearwater of a regional authority needed to
help meet growing transportation problems and would also take away service now being
used by transportation disadvantaged citizens to travel county -to -county.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA:
Section 1. That the Clearwater City Council hereby express its opposition to SB
1130, a bill that would dissolve the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority and urges
members of the Florida Legislature to maintain TBARTA's ability to act as a regional
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authority in support of local transit initiatives through coordination with and advocacy for
the five -county TBARTA region.
Section 2. That the proper officers of the Clearwater City Council are hereby
authorized to do all things necessary and proper in order to carry out and make effective
the provisions of this resolution.
Section 3. That this resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 18th day of February, 2021.
Approved as to form:
i2,11/1v
Pamela K. Akin
City Attorney
CITY OF CLEARWATER, FLORIDA
By:
Fr. - ibbard
Mayor
Attest:
Vag: Qi -e
Rosemarie CaII
City Clerk
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