Palm Coast Resolution of Support for Amtrak/Florida East Coast Railroad Project (2010)

The resolution below was presented to the Palm Coast City Council in a workshop on Tuesday, May 11, 2010. It is scheduled to be approved in a subsequent meeting, as the council may not take action on any items during workshops.

RESOLUTION 2010-___

Resolution of Support for Amtrak/FEC Project

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM COAST, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING THE LOCATION OF AN AMTRAK/PASSENGER RAIL STATION IN FLAGLER COUNTY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTING ACTIONS AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE

WHEREAS, the Florida East Coast (FEC) railroad corridor was historically operated as a passenger line along Florida’s east coast, traversing or providing rail connections to areas like Flagler County; and

WHEREAS, Florida’s east coast historically developed around train stations along the FEC railroad; and

WHEREAS, local governments and the private sector along Florida’s east coast desire to implement programs to develop village areas built around train stations; and

WHEREAS, improved mobility is highly desired in Flagler County and throughout the State of Florida; and

WHEREAS, transit, including rail transit, is a key component of improved mobility, especially between cities and throughout the Florida’s east coast; and

WHEREAS, the 2006 Florida Rail Plan identifies passenger transit along the FEC corridor as a potential “Coastal Route” for new passenger rail service in the State of Florida; and

WHEREAS, Amtrak is well-suited to provide passenger rail service along Florida’s east coast; and

WHEREAS, the reintroduction of Amtrak service along Florida’s east coast would provide near-term jobs and economic stimulus for Florida’s residents and businesses; and

WHEREAS, the Florida Department of Transportation in conjunction with Amtrak will submit an application through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for funding to implement passenger rail service on the FEC Railway corridor; and

WHEREAS, the proposed project will implement redevelopment plans, increase “stay-cations” (vacations within Florida for Floridians), increase local spending capture, and provide immediate construction jobs along the entire east coast of Florida; and

WHEREAS, the proposed project is expected to create 2,100 direct and indirect jobs through service initiation; and

WHEREAS, the proposed project will create additional jobs through the construction of rail stations; and

WHEREAS, the proposed project is part of Florida’s statewide transit network which will improve mobility, reduce carbon emissions, and reduce dependence on foreign oil.

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Palm Coast, Flagler County, Florida, that:

SECTION 1. SUPPORT OF THE AMTRAK/PASSENGER RAIL STATION. The City Council of the City of Palm Coast supports the efforts of Flagler County and the City of Bunnell in bringing an Amtrak/passenger rail station to Flagler County as part of the reintroduction of passenger rail service on the FEC railway.

SECTION 2. SEVERABILITY. If any section or portion of a section of this Resolution proves to be invalid, unlawful, or unconstitutional, it shall not be held to invalidate or impair the validity, force, or effect of any other section or part of this Resolution.

SECTION 3. Conflicts. All resolutions or parts of resolutions in conflict with any of the provisions of this Resolution are hereby repealed.

Section 4. IMPLEMENTING ACTIONS. The City Manager is hereby authorized to take any actions necessary to implement the action taken in this Resolution.

SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption by the City Council.

DULY PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Palm Coast, Florida, on this 18th day of May 2010.