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2009-30 Supporting Intercity Rail as Component of FL Stimulus PlanRESOLUTION 2009-30 A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, REQUESTING THE ASSISTANCE OF GOVERNOR CRIST AND FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY KOPELOUSOS TO PRIORITIZE THE INTERCITY RAIL COMPONENT OF THE FEC CORRIDOR PROJECT (FROM JACKSONVILLE TO MIAMI) AS PART OF THE FEDERAL ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE FOR THE STATE OF FLORIDA; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the FEC corridor was historically operated as a passenger rail line along Florida's east coast, traversing or providing rail connections to urban areas like the Village ofNorth Palm Beach; and WHEREAS, Florida's east coast historically developed azound train stations along the FEC railroad; and WHEREAS, local governments and the private sector along Florida's east coast are currently implementing programs to redevelop historic downtowns built around train stations; and WHEREAS, improved mobility is highly desired in the Village of North Palm Beach 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 neaz- term jobs and economic stimulus for Florida's residents and businesses; and WHEREAS, the Federal Government is seeking appropriate projects for inclusion in the Federal economic stimulus package to provide immediate and near-term job opportunities for projects; and WHEREAS, the Intercity FEC Corridor Project (Jacksonvi11e/Miami) in an appropriate project for inclusion by the State of Florida in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan; and WHEREAS, former work by Amtrak and FDOT includes plans for the improvements necessazy to initiate Amtrak service on the FEC corridor. • • NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA as follows: Section 1. The Village Council of the Village of North Palm Beach hereby requests the assistance of Governor Crist and FDOT Secretary Kopelousos to prioritize the Amtrak/FEC Corridor Project (from Jacksonville to Miami) as part of the Federal economic stimulus package for the State of Florida. Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption. PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 9th DAY OF APP (Village Seal) ATTEST: VILLAGE CLERK •