Title
Resolution calling on the Governor and Legislature of the State of Wisconsin to remove from the proposed State 2015-17 budget and Assembly Bill 21 and Senate Bill 21 the provision that prohibits the Wisconsin Department of Transportation from funding Community Sensitive Design on state highway projects.
Body
Whereas, Governor Walker and the State Legislature have made the transportation system a high priority; and
Whereas, the state highway system is vital to the overall transportation system, which includes airports, transit, railroad, bike trails and ports, at both a local and state wide level; and
Whereas, the state has traditionally provided funds for community sensitive design elements such as unique form liners on bridges and walls, attractive bridge railings, roadway features like decorative bricks, lighting, berms, and landscaping are all used to enhance the appearance of projects; and
Whereas, improving the aesthetics of a project helps to broaden community support for transportation projects and makes Wisconsin a more attractive tourism destination; and
Whereas, in many instances, communities will be unable to fund Community Sensitive Design elements because of their limited resources and ever increasing needs.
Now Therefore Be It Resolved that the City of West Allis urges the Governor and the Legislature of the State of Wisconsin to remove from the proposed State 2015-17 budget and 2015AB 21 and SB 21 the provision that prohibits the Department of Transportation from funding Community Sensitive Design on state highway projects.
Now Be It Further Resolved that the Director of Public Works/City Engineer is authorized and directed to submit this resolution to the appropriate elected and appointed officials.