TITLE
Recommendation to request City Council approve the motion of the Port, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on August 20, 2021, requesting City Manager to send a letter to the City’s federal legislative delegation advocating for safety resources in the federal infrastructure package to include funding for local jurisdictions related to traffic enforcement.
DISCUSSION
On August 20, 2021, the Port, Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (Committee) received an update on State and federal infrastructure funding opportunities. Following the presentation, the Committee approved a motion to request City Council direct the City Manager to prepare a letter to the City’s federal legislative delegation advocating for safety funding in the federal infrastructure package to include resources for local jurisdictions:
• To hire and retain drug recognition experts; and,
• To expand traffic support units and proactive traffic enforcement.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, passed by the Senate on August 10, 2021, includes $11 billion for traffic safety and research. The legislation would authorize $6.9 billion over five years for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and related driver safety programs, research and development. These funds would be invested in programs that help educate the public about the proper use of child restraints, reduce crashes and injuries, among other safety efforts. The legislation also includes numerous regulatory changes to improve traffic safety and would allow states to use highway safety funds to operate automated traffic enforcement systems in work or school zones. Another $5 billion would support grants to implement vision zero plans and transportation design projects that prevent traffic fatalities and serious injuries.
The legislation, however, does not include direct funding or grants for local jurisdictions to advance traffic safety through additional staffing and resources for enforcement. Safer streets are achieved not only through infrastructure design and public education. Proactive enforcement is a leading action to help deter traffic safety violations and ensure safe roads for all users. Additional funding for enforcement would complement the existing priorities outlined in the federal infrastructure package to advance traffic safety through education programs, research and infrastructure design.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
[Enter Body Here]
Respectfully Submitted,
SUZIE PRICE
COUNCILWOMAN, THIRD DISTRICT, CHAIR
PORT, TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE