Mass Transit Infrastructure Investment Act of 2008Whereas the revenue expected from the FY 2009 component ($5 per metric tonne of a total $10 per metric tonne tax) of the domestic Carbon Tax is expected to be an estimated $30 billion, and;
Whereas the Atlasian Senate finds that this environmental-based impact fee is best spent through investment in new mass transit options and research into alternative energy,
Therefore be it resolved that:
1.
Funding Allocation. Atlasia shall dedicate 50% of the FY2009 carbon tax component ($2.5 per metric tonne or $15 billion in total), as a one time grant towards the new construction, upgrade, and maintenance of mass transit options.
Said funds shall be apportioned based on Atlasia’s regional population figures as of July 4, 2008:
- Northeast Region, $4.77 billion (31.8%)
- Southeast Region, $3.585 billion (23.9%)
- Mideast Region, $2.73 billion (18.2%)
- Pacific Region, $2.55 billion (17.0%)
- Midwest Region, $1.365 billion (9.1%)
2.
Funding Earmarks. The funds outlined in Section 1 shall be earmarked towards the planning and completion of the following proposed mass transportation projects:
Northeast Region- SEPTA (Pennsylvania): Plan and construct a SEPTA extension from Philadelphia to Allentown on existing tracks via Bethlehem, Quakertown, and Lansdale.
- SEPTA (Pennsylvania): Plan and construct an extension of the Route 100 light rail service (Norristown High-Speed Line) to King of Prussia.
- NJ Transit (New Jersey): Plan and construct an extension of the Raritan Valley Line on existing tracks past the High Bridge, NJ terminus to Phillipsburg, NJ; Easton, PA; Bethlehem, PA; and Allentown, PA.
- MBTA (Massachusetts): Construct an extension of the Green Line MBTA service past the Lechmere terminus to include new stops in Somerville, MA at Washington St., Union Square, Gilman Square, Lowell St., and Ball Square; and new stops in Medford at College Avenue (Tufts), Winthrop St., and West Medford. (Estimated cost: $0.39 billion.)
- Metro North (Connecticut): Plan and construct commuter rail service between New Haven, CT and Springfield, MA via Hartford, including seven new rail stations with upgraded platforms (“max build” scenario as defined by the September 2004 Transportation Strategy Board proposal). (Estimated cost: $0.558 billion.)
Southeast RegionTo be determined.
Mideast RegionTo be determined.
Pacific RegionTo be determined.
Midwest RegionTo be determined.
3.
Matching Funds Requirement. To be eligible for the mass transit grants outlined in Section 1, participating regional legislatures must agree to a minimum 25% match of these funds. “Matching funds” will be defined as the amount in excess of the regional FY 2008 mass transportation budget as adjusted for inflation.
Sponsor: Conor Flynn
