An election will be held November 7, 2000, to decide if Austin, Leander, Jonestown, Manor, San Leanna, Lago Vista, and portions of Travis and Williamson Counties, should operate a rail system.

The proposed system requires no additional taxes and will be paid for with local and federal funds. The proposed rail system is approximately 52 miles long, including the 20-mile starter line.

The starter line would run from the Howard Lane area in the north to Ben White Boulevard in South Austin. The east-west line would run from Martin Luther King Boulevard down to the East 4^th and 5^th Street area and over to downtown Austin.

The proposed system would also include extensions to Austin-Bergstrom Airport, Leander, and William Cannon/Slaughter Lane. The system would also complete the East Austin loop including a spur to the proposed new development at the former Robert Mueller Airport.

The November 7, 2000, vote will decide if rail will be part of a comprehensive regional transportation plan that will also include high occupancy vehicle lanes (HOVs), continued expansion of bus and vanpool services, new park and ride facilities, enhanced special transit services and commuter rail.

The system will meet or exceed the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. During system development, federal law requires a public environmental review of each proposed rail line.

Any decision to use long-term debt to finance rail expansion will require future voter approval.