CITY COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM

Department:	City Manager’s Office		Commission Meeting Date:  May 15, 2018
Staff Contact:	Diane Stoddard, Assistant City Manager
Recommendations/Options/Action Requested:
Authorize the Mayor to execute a letter to the Congressional delegation expressing concern about any reduction or elimination of Amtrak’s Southwest Chief route, which serves Lawrence.
Executive Summary:		Increasing concern has been expressed by cities in Kansas and neighboring states through which Amtrak’s Southwest Chief route traverses about the potential for reduction or elimination of the Southwest Chief route.  Lawrence is served by this Amtrak route.  Passenger rail is an important transportation alternative for Lawrence residents and Amtrak ridership has been dramatically increased through Lawrence’s Santa Fe Station over the past decade. Staff suggests sending a letter to our Congressional delegation expressing concerns about any potential reduction or elimination of this route.
Strategic Plan Critical Success Factor		Innovative Infrastructure and Asset Management Collaborative Solutions Economic Growth and Security
Fiscal Impact (Amount/Source):		There is no fiscal impact to the City.
Attachments:		Letter to Congressional Delegation regarding Amtrak Southwest Chief Route

Reviewed By: (for CMO use only)

☐TM ☒DS ☐CT ☐BM