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e -A - <br />Legislation containing the expenditure plan will be finalized by December and <br />considered by the Legislature in 2003. Voters in seven counties (including San Mateo <br />County) will approve the proposed expenditure plan and toll increase by a 50% vote in <br />2004. Polls show 66% support for passage of a toll increase if the funds are used for <br />transit expansion projects such as BART, express bus and ferries. Upwards of two <br />thirds of Bay Area voters (69 %) support expansion of ferry routes to serve new <br />destinations. Increased ferry service, while not viewed as a stand alone solution to the <br />region's traffic problems are strongly supported as an integral element of an overall plan <br />to use funds generated by bridge tolls to reduce congestion. <br />The allocation of new bridge toll monies is critical to funded expanded ferry service. <br />Without it, Redwood City would have to fully fund any new ferry service exclusively from <br />local funds or seek grants on its own. The toll increase provides Redwood City with a <br />unique opportunity to fund a new public transit service, which is greatly needed to <br />reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. Ferry service will also support the <br />City's land use and economic development objectives of the proposed Bayfront Area <br />Plan. The toll funds are also needed to cover the operating costs of Dumbarton Rail. <br />The WTA's proposal calls for expansion of a regional system that is convenient, cost - <br />effective and environmentally responsive. Ferries require less of a capital investment <br />than other modes of transportation and they are competitive in operating costs with <br />buses. <br />Diane Howard, Council Member <br />Bay Area Water Transit Authority <br />Community Advisory Committee Chairperson <br />Attachment <br />Draft resolution <br />