Resolve, To Establish a Task Force on the Establishment of So-called Complete Streets Design Guidelines

Preamble. Whereas,  citizens of the State, regardless of their age or ability, need streets and roadways that are safe and convenient for travel by automobile, foot, bicycle and transit; and

Whereas,  streets that support and invite multiple uses are more conducive to public life and to efficient movement of people than are streets designed primarily to move automobiles and trucks; and

Whereas,  the full integration of all modes of transportation in the design of streets and roadways will increase the capacity and efficiency of the road network, reduce traffic congestion, improve mobility options and limit greenhouse gas emissions; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Task force. Resolved: That the Commissioner of Transportation, referred to in this resolve as "the commissioner," shall convene a task force to develop so-called complete streets design guidelines to apply whenever state or federal funds are used to build or reconstruct a road or bridge and develop a statewide policy designed to enable the delivery of cost-effective, sustainable and customer-focused transportation services that will meet the current and future needs of the State. The commissioner shall invite the participation of stakeholders, including a representative of a statewide bicycle advocacy group, a representative of a statewide group representing older citizens of the State, a representative from the Disability Rights Center and the Director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention within the Department of Health and Human Services; and be it further

Sec. 2. Policies. Resolved: That, in developing a statewide policy pursuant to section 1, the task force shall consider inclusion of policies that encourage the:

1. Creation of a comprehensive, integrated, connected transportation network that allows users to choose between different modes of transportation;

2. Alteration of the decision-making and design processes to ensure consideration of all users in planning, designing, building, operating and maintaining streets and roadways;

3. Balancing of user needs in order to ensure that transportation solutions under this section will enhance the community; and

4. Use of the latest and best design guidelines as they apply to bicycle, pedestrian, transit and highway facilities; and be it further

Sec. 3. Report. Resolved: That, no later than December 4, 2013, the commissioner shall submit a report that includes the findings and recommendations of the task force, including suggested legislation to implement the recommendations, to the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation. The Joint Standing Committee on Transportation may submit a bill pertaining to the report to the Second Regular Session of the 126th Legislature.

SUMMARY

This resolve directs the Commissioner of Transportation to establish a task force to develop so-called complete streets design guidelines to apply whenever state or federal funds are used to build or reconstruct a road or bridge and to develop a statewide policy designed to enable the delivery of cost-effective, sustainable and customer-focused transportation services that will meet the current and future needs of the State.