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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 17, 2000

CHAMBER ENDORSES CAPITAL METRO’S LIGHT RAIL PROJECT

Capital Metro’s light rail proposal today earned a critical endorsement from the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce. After a comprehensive two month study by the Chamber’s Blue Ribbon Task Force, the Board of Directors voted to support Capital Metro’s light rail proposal as part of a multi-modal transportation plan for the future.

“We’re delighted by the report and grateful to the chamber for their exhaustive, detailed study of our plan. We believe it affirms the work we’ve done and our vision for the future,” said Lee Walker, Chairman of the Board for Capital Metro. “We’ve always believed light rail is only part of the solution. Like our friends at the Chamber, we believe the solution involves rails, roads and buses.”

The Chamber of Commerce endorsed a transportation strategy that includes light rail along with investments in roads and traffic improvements. Chamber President and CEO Mark Hazelwood emphasized it’s not an either/or approach. “The community needs both roads and rail,” said Hazelwood.

“It’s consistent with Capital Metro’s mission. We share the same goals, vision, and aspirations when it comes to investing in future transportation plans in our community,” said Karen Rae, Capital Metro General Manager.

The Chamber challenged the Capital Metro Board of Directors to raise its contribution from the current $91 million to at least $200 million over the next 10 years for traffic improvements like street upgrades, transportation system management, and HOV lanes. The Chamber also challenged the state and other communities in the five-county region to dedicate more funds to mobility improvements. “We look forward to working with the Chamber and the community as we continue to develop a comprehensive transportation system.”

Last month Capital Metro Board members identified $67 million dollars to use towards a regional transportation plan. This month, the board raised that amount to $91 million dollars. “This board and this agency has shown a commitment to finding ways to help pay for traffic improvements that enhance public transportation and improve everyone’s quality of life. That commitment remains strong,” said Walker. “We accept the Chamber’s offer to meet us at the table to find solutions to their challenge. We also invite business leaders, community leaders, and the people of Central Texas to join us.”

“The bottom line is it’s not us versus them, roads versus rail,” said Rae. “It’s HOV lanes and light rail and more bus service. It’s everyone working together.”

Voters will decide on the future of light rail on November 7^th, 2000. A series of community meetings are scheduled beginning Monday, August 21^st, to talk about the issue.