02/21/2000 Resolutions 2000-52
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RES 0 L UTI 0 N 2000-52
WHEREAS, transportation connections between the city of Grand Island and other
communities in Nebraska, the Midwest and throughout the United States are important to the
economic vitality and livability of both the City of Grand Island region and other linked
communities; and
WHEREAS, rail transportation has been a critical and important component of our
regional transportation system for over a century; and
WHEREAS, the train is an environmentally friendly, comfortable way to travel and
an efficient, effective way to transport goods; and
WHEREAS, passenger rail service increases safety and peace of mind for travelers
in the winter months, especially when traveling through areas of extreme climatic conditions in
Nebraska and the Great Plains; and
WHEREAS, the City of Grand Island recognizes the significant impacts the loss of
passenger rail transportation over the past several years has had on the residents of communities in
the Platte Valley corridor and southern Panhandle of Nebraska, especially the elderly and disabled;
and
WHEREAS, Amtrak's ability to carry mail and express freight along a proposed route
of the "Pioneer" passenger train between Chicago, Omaha, Cheyenne, Wyoming and Portland,
Oregon, would not only increase the viability of restoring passenger service, but also provide direct
benefits to communities along the route; and
WHEREAS, it is in the public interest to plan and advocate for a variety of transit
options that increase mobility for citizens and businesses.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA, that the Grand Island City Council supports all
efforts to restore passenger, mail and express service to the Overland Route of the former City of
Portland; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Grand Island City Council shall bring this
Resolution to the attention of the National Rail Passenger Corporation (Amtrak), which is
respectfully urged to restore daily passenger rail service between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest
via Iowa, Nebraska, and Wyoming; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall be brought to the attention
of each member of the Nebraska Congressional Delegation, with elected officials respectfully urged
to act so as to give effect to this Resolution.
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Approved as to Form T ~
February 21, 2000 .... City Attorney
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Adopted by the City Council of the City of Grand Island, Nebraska on February 21,2000.
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Approved as to Form" ~
February 21, 2000 ... City Attorney