HomeMy WebLinkAbout3114 RESOLUTION NO. 3 '1 '14
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUBURN,
WASHINGTON, OPPOSING THE PROPOSAL BEFORE THE WASHINGTON
UTILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION (WUTC) TO INCREASE
TRAIN SPEEDS UNTIL THE COMPLETION OF CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS
AS SET FORTH HEREIN.
WHEREAS the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission is
reviewing a proposal to increase the speed of trains in Auburn to 60 miles per
hour for freight and 79 miles per hour for passenger trains; and
WHEREAS the Washington DOT and Sound Transit maintain that
increasing train speeds is essential for efficient operations and thus in the public
interest, and
WHEREAS the City of Auburn supports Sound Transit Commuter Rail,
expects the operation to meet with success and growth; and
WHEREAS the City of Auburn is highly impacted by the movement of
trains both in terms of disruption to traffic, noise, emergency response; and in
terms of safety as demonstrated by the vehicle/train and pedestrian/train
accidents that have occurred within our community; and
WHEREAS the City of Auburn was instrumental in establishing the FAST
Corridor as a Public/Private partnership including numerous local, county, and
state agencies; three port authorities, and both major railroads; and
Resolution 3114
September 1, 1999
Page 1
WHEREAS two FAST Corridor projects in the City of Auburn (grade
separations at 3rd and 272nd Streets) as well as 16 others in the region have
been unable to begin construction due to funding constraints and even when
funds are available the projects will take several years to complete; and
WHEREAS; increasing train speeds fails to offer relief to our concerns
due to decreased duration of blockage of intersections, as had been articulated
by supporters; since there is a long term goal of greatly increasing the number
of train movements which would result in even more disruption and increased
exposure to potential accidents than the status quo;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF AUBURN,
WASHINGTON, IN A REGULAR MEETING DULY ASSEMBLED, HEREWITH
RESOLVES THAT:
Section t. Purpose. The City of Auburn, by Resolution of the City
Council, is requesting that the speed increases not be approved until the
following improvements, which are essential for pedestrian and vehicle safety,
efficient movement of emergency and other vehicles, are funded and
completed:
· Pedestrian channelization, crossing and gate improvements at Main Street
and 3rd Street North,
Resolution 3114
September 1, 1999
Page 2
· Pedestrian overpass linking the east and west platforms of the Sound
Transit station,
· Pedestrian grade separation in the vicinity of the Stuck River Bridge,
between a residential neighborhood in the City of Pacific and Auburn
Riverside High School/Roegner Park in Auburn,
· Security fencing wherever the tracks pass adjacent to or through residential
areas and areas such as downtown Auburn which experience high levels of
pedestrian traffic,
· The FAST grade separation projects at 3rd Street Southwest and 272nd
Street have full funding commitments and construction has begun.
Section 2. Authority.. The Mayor is hereby authorized to implement
such administrative procedures as may be necessary to carry out the directives
of this legislation.
Section 3. Effective date. DATED and SIGNED this 7th day of
September, 1999.
CITY OF AUBURN
CHARLES A. BOOTH
MAYOR
Resolution 3114
September 1, 1999
Page 3
ATTEST:
Danielle E. Daskam,
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Michael J. Reynolds,
City Attorney
Resolution 3114
September 1, 1999
Page 4