City of Lawrence 2008 Legislative Policy Statement
Federal
Lawrence continues to build on its distinctive history as it seeks to enhance the future for all current and future residents. We continue to build and plan for our remarkable future. Progress continues on several infrastructure projects which will shape the future of our community, including the $18 million expansion of our Clinton Reservoir water treatment facility. We continue to invest in our historic downtown ensuring its long-term vibrancy. We also have placed an emphasis on economic development to foster job growth in the community.
Lawrence continues to receive high marks from residents, visitors, and new-comers. In our 2007 citizen survey, 84% of Lawrence residents indicated they were satisfied with the quality of life in Lawrence – 13% higher than the national average. A recent edition of US News & World Report included an editor's pick of Lawrence as one of the top ten communities in the nation to retire. While the reviews are heartening, we are not retiring on this good news, instead we are pushing forward to make Lawrence an even better place to live, learn, raise a family, and grow a business. We appreciate the work our federal delegation and their staff do every day to help Kansas and Lawrence prosper.
Federal surface transportation funding is a necessary part of Lawrence's future
Lawrence and the entire Northeast region of Kansas face major surface transportation challenges as our community continues to grow. Neither local nor state resources will be sufficient to provide the infrastructure needed to meet future regional transportation needs.
Improved surface transportation is a challenge as the community continues to grow.
If Lawrence and surrounding areas are to ensure the safety and convenience of residents while providing the necessary infrastructure for strong, sustainable economic growth, we must begin building today a transportation network capable of responding to tomorrow's street and highway needs.
We urge our delegation to increase its surface transportation funding for our community. We have specifically requested federal funding for improvements to: 1) East 23rd Street at the intersection of Franklin Road which would ensure safe and improved access to growing industrial areas of our community; and 2) the intersection of the K-10 and Bob Billings Parkway on the city's growing western side.
Future challenges to the federal highway trust fund must be addressed. We look forward to working with our congressional delegation and the federal government to fulfill its obligation to provide adequate funding for surface transportation needs.
Lawrence Municipal Airport flies high with support from the FAA
Improving Lawrence Municipal Airport is vital to meet the aviation demands of a growing community.
The Lawrence Municipal Airport has received FAA funding for a variety of infrastructure projects over the past several years, helping improve safety and operations. These projects include a major expansion and rehab of the apron, improvement and expansion of the main runway and taxiway and lighting improvements. Continued work to improve Lawrence Municipal Airport is vital as we strive to meet the aviation demands of a growing community.
Last year's runway safety area grading project will be completed this spring. The current year's project is to acquire land at each end and along one side of runway 1-19 to meet FAA CITY OF LAWRENCE 2008 LEGISLATIVE POLICY STATEMENT requirements on building restriction lines. An FAA grant was essential in making the project possible, though recent legislation shortening the grant year and reducing overall grant funding for the Airport Improvement Program may produce challenges.
We appreciate the past support provided by our legislative leaders and look forward to funding assistance in the future in order to continue providing aviation services that are safe, proactive and responsive and that contribute to the economic viability of the community and region.
Federal funds help fuel Lawrence transportation alternatives
Public transit requires legislative assistance for additional funds to help replace vehicles and to prevent a disruption in service for riders who need public transit for work, health care and community access.
According to the Federal Transit Administration, since 1999 the City of Lawrence Transit System is one of only fourteen small urban transit systems to experience over 100-percent growth since its founding. The Lawrence Transit System continues to provide the public not only local, but region-wide access to quality, affordable transportation alternatives. As the Lawrence transit system prepares to celebrate its 8th anniversary this December, efforts to improve and expand transit service across the community continue. Creative partnerships are helping deliver affordable transportation options for Lawrence and regional riders even as increasing fuel costs and environmental concerns make transit alternatives more vital for our community.
Last year partnering with Johnson County Transit, KDOT, University of Kansas, Haskell Indian Nations University and Johnson County Community College, the Lawrence Transit System helped facilitate the successful launch K-10 Commuter service linking college campuses in Lawrence with campuses in neighboring Johnson County. Ridership has exceeded projections, providing approximately 67,000 trips in 2007. Discussions are underway to determine how K-10 service can be expanded to link with the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority Metro service to better provide citizens with more transportation options. In addition, Lawrence continues to work closely with the University of Kansas to further coordinate city and university transit services. Our partnership working with the University on providing vehicles to serve their newly constructed 1,500 vehicle Park and Ride facility that links to their main campus has been hugely successful. In 2007, a total of 261,380 trips were provided. In addition, to further coordinate transportation services to realize potential cost and operational efficiencies, the city and university are currently in the process of conducting a joint procurement to hire one contracted transportation proivider to operate both services beyond 2008 when existing operating contracts expire. Lastly, our partnership with the Mid-America Regional Council Rideshare program, “Carpool Connection,” provides a free online matching service for commuters interested in ridesharing in the Lawrence, Kansas City and Topeka metro areas. The service continues to grow steadily, and to date approximately 2,000 people (400 from Lawrence) have registered for the service.
A commitment to funding public transit from the Federal Transit Administration is vital to successfully meet the growing transportation needs of Lawrence and the region. Operating and capital projects are in need of urgent support. Rising fuel costs have caused people to look for transportation alternatives like the Lawrence Transit System that reduce their costs, but have also created significant budget challenges for the Transit System. Also, later this year Transit System's entire fixed-route service fleet (12 vehicles) will fulfill their federally mandated useful service life requirements and will be eligible for replacement. While some funding has been identified, we continue to need legislative assistance to obtain additional funds to help replace these vehicles and to prevent a disruption in service for riders who need public transit for work, health care and community access.
We greatly appreciate past efforts and urge our legislative partners to continue to support public transportation so that we can provide our citizens with safe, accessible and reliable transportation options.
Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area
Lawrence is excited to take a leadership position in promoting the recently established Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area
Supporting funds for National Heritage Areas will preserve and enhance the interpretation of this important legacy.
Federal Community Development Block Grant program is a cornerstone for affordable housing in Lawrence
For federal fiscal year 2008, the City of Lawrence allocation for CDBG was $798,320 (4% reduction from 2007) and $626,133 (3% reduction from 2007) for HOME. While Lawrence residents seek additional affordable housing options and the betterment of their neighborhoods, CDBG and HOME funds have continued to be reduced during this decade.
CDBG and HOME funding provide vital community-wide support for highly successful comprehensive housing rehabilitation, first time homebuyer, emergency energy efficiency and weatherization programs.
The City of Lawrence uses CDBG and HOME funding to provide vital community-wide support, including a highly successful comprehensive housing rehabilitation program, first time homebuyer, emergency energy efficiency and weatherization programs – all for low and moderate income owner/occupants. Funding also supports neighborhood associations in low and moderate income neighborhoods, capital improvement projects, as well as funding for public service agencies helping the homeless and other low and moderate income persons in our community. The President's proposed 2009 budget includes an 18% decrease in CDBG funding and similar cuts to HOME and other housing, homeless and domestic programs. As the City awaits the outcome of the 2009 funding allocation, we oppose efforts for any further cuts to these allocations.
Support for higher educatino is essential to Lawrence
The University of Kansas
The University of Kansas serves as the flagship research institution for our state and as an CITY OF LAWRENCE 2008 LEGISLATIVE POLICY STATEMENT excellent educational institution for preparing our future leaders. Congressional support for future research grants and research facilities, including those in the bioscience and life science fields, will help keep Kansas at the forefront of emerging technologies and help provide vital resources that benefit not only Lawrence, but our entire state. Potential commercial benefits generated from a thriving research climate can help keep Lawrence and Kansas on the path to strong, sustainable economic growth.
Haskell Indian Nations University
Haskell Indian Nations University represents an important national commitment for providing excellent educational opportunities for Native American students from around the country. We urge our congressional delegation to support full funding for this important institution.
Federal telecommunications laws
Regulating the use of public right-of-way in order to protect our community’s interests is vital.
Recent proposed legislation would strip the ability of local communities to regulate the use of their local right-of-way by telecommunications companies. We urge our federal legislators to recognize recent changes made by the Kansas legislature on this topic. Lawrence and other Kansas cities must continue to receive appropriate compensation for the use of their public right-of-way and must remain able to regulate the use of public rightof- way in order to protect our community's interests.
Internet catalog sales and local sales taxes
Sales taxes are an increasingly important component of city budgets, funding essential municipal services and capital improvements.
The recent economic climate has seen those city revenues dependant upon growth and development stagnate. An important federal and state issue that must be addressed is the legal authority to impose state, city and county sales taxes on electronic commerce and catalog sales. Empowering local and state governments with the authority to tax ecommerce and catalogue sales will not only generate important revenue for state and local governments, but will also eliminate an unfair competitive advantage against traditional landbased Kansas businesses. Kansas businesses deserve to compete on an equal taxation footing with electronic competitors often located outside the state.
Unfunded mandates
The City of Lawrence opposes unfunded mandates from the federal government. These mandates drain limited resources from needed City programs and activities.
Biosciences and economic development
The Lawrence-Douglas County Biosciences Authority is seeking to partner with State resources to enhance the biosciences industry in the Lawrence-Douglas County area. We urge you to support these efforts as we seek to enhance economic growth.
Expansion of passenger rails service
The Northern Flyer Alliance is working to enhance passenger rail service in Kansas by connecting Oklahoma with Kansas City. This proposal would improve rail service to many Kansas communities, including Lawrence. The City encourages support of S. 294 - The Passenger Rail and Improvement Act of 2007.
Sedimentation threat to public water supplies
Lawrence relies on Clinton Lake and the Kansas River for its water supply. Silting in of these water bodies, especially of Clinton Lake, threatens the viability of our public water supplies. The City supports Army Corps of Engineers' programs to monitor and address sedimentation in reservoirs and rivers.
City of Lawrence contact information
Commissioners
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City Manager's Office
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General Information
| Address: City Hall 6 East 6th Street PO Box 708 Lawrence, KS 66044 |
Main: (785) 832-3000 www.lawrenceks.org |
