1. 2011 FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Government Relations Division
February 8, 2011

2. Purpose of Briefing and Program Development Process
Met with Mayor, City Council, City Manager’s Office and City departments requesting input on potential issues
Government Relations received, reviewed submissions and prepared a list of issues for consideration by LIAC Committee
Presented to LIAC Committee on January 19, 2011
Providing the full council with the committee’s recommendation. This resolution and recommendation are on the council’s agenda for your consideration

3. Proposed Major 2011 General Federal Legislative Initiatives
It is recommended, that the major issues the City should consider for a federal advocacy plan in 2011 include:
Defend against cuts to critical municipality operational programs such as LIHEAP, HOPE VI, WRDA, TEA-LU, etc.
Support Broadband for First Responders Act whose lead sponsor is now Homeland Security Committee chair. Will improve interoperability for first responders

4. Proposed Major 2011 General Federal Legislative Initiatives
Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) grants which focus on enhancing regional emergency preparedness in major metropolitan areas
Weatherization Grants by the Department Of Energy, designed to provide weatherization improvements to existing housing stock
Repeal or address IRS reporting requirements for municipalities, small businesses, and real estate owner transactions over $600 annually

5. Proposed Major 2011Transportation, Energy, and Water Initiatives
It remains to be determined if transportation and/or energy and water projects will be carved out from the congressionally directed spending exemption. However, if an opportunity arises, the city should be poised to immediately pursue the following:
Transportation – Concentrate on funding and enhancing the TIFIA program. It is undercapitalized and one of the major methods that NTTA and NTEMP are trying to raise capital to support the Southwest Parkway and I-35 Projects

6. Proposed Major 2011Transportation, Energy, and Water Initiatives
Transportation – Support for the US Public Transit New Starts application for the SW2NE Commuter Rail Line
Transportation – Engage federal agencies to advance projects (FRA’s release of funding for Tower 55)
Transportation – Support for addressing the federal gas tax law
Transportation – 1-35 from US 287 to Denton County Line ($5 million for plan development, specifications and estimates)

7. Proposed Major 2011Transportation, Energy, and Water Initiatives
Transportation- Interchange with I-30 IN W. Fort Worth– Walsh Ranch Parkway ($10 million for construction only)
Water – Village Creek Peak Flow Storage/Holding Pond for excess wastewater during heavy rains (Estimated cost of $48 million – may seek partial funding if water department is ready to move forward with first phase of project)

8. Proposed Major 2011Transportation, Energy, and Water Initiatives
Energy/Sustainability – 3 year EECBG funding program which would include the following as related to both EISA 2007 and ARRA 2009 federal legislation for planning/strategy initiatives, lighting efficiency improvements, “Green” building initiatives and improvements, traffic signalization, bicycle commuting and renewal energy initiatives, grant administration:
Budget Year 1 / FY13 $60 million, Year 2 / FY14 $60 million, Year 3 / FY15 $60 million
EECBG Program Year 2/ $180 million (Current EECBG funds similar efforts for 3-Budget Years, FY10-12, and why the above begins in FY13)

9. Proposed Major 2011Transportation, Energy, and Water Initiatives
Support TRV Request – Energy and Water ($40 - $45 million)
Support TRV Transportation (Bridges) Request ($17 million)
Support TRV Transportation EDU HUD Request ($1 million)

10. General Legislative Policy
As a general policy, the City of Fort Worth seeks to preserve its authority to responsibly govern the city, its citizens, and its property. The City supports any legislation viewed as advancing the City’s Comprehensive Plan or the City’s Strategic Goals; or that improves the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens; or that reduces the cost of governing the City.
In addition, the City will oppose any legislation viewed as detrimental to its Comprehensive Plan or its Strategic Goals; or that is contrary to the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens; or that mandates increased costs or decreased revenues; or that would diminish the fundamental authority of the City.

11. Proposed Dates for Trip to Washington, D.C.
March 2, 3 Tarrant County Days in Austin
March 9,10 Possibility for trip to D.C. but only 1½ days would be open for meeting and it is the week following Tarrant County Days
March NLC in Washington, D.C.
March 21-April 1 Congress will be in their districts, not in D.C.
April Possibility for trip to D.C. but Council has meeting on Tuesday, 5th, and Congress is out on 8th, so only 2 days open for meetings
April Open this week
April Congress will be in their districts, not in D.C.
May Possibility for trip to D.C. but Council has meeting on Tuesday, 3rd and Congress is out on 6th, so only 2 days open for meetings
May Congress is out on 9th, Council has meeting on 10th and it is very close to municipal elections
Staff recommendation is Wednesday, April 13, Thursday, April 14 and Friday, April 15th for this trip. This will allow for time to meet with legislators as well as federal agencies on grant opportunities.

12. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS?