Report to Mayor and City Council
Tuesday, September 03, 2024
Consent
SUBJECT:
Title
CONSIDER TAKING A POSITION OF SUPPORT AND SENDING A CORRESPONDING LETTER REGARDING S. 4814 (CANTWELL), THE "TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE FOR OLYMPIC AND WORLD CUP CITIES ACT OF 2024" THAT WOULD PROVIDE TRANSPORTATION FUNDING TO CITIES HOSTING INTERNATIONAL SPORTING EVENTS IN THE UNITED STATES (CITY COUNCIL)
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I. SUMMARY
This item transmits a request for the City Council to take a position of support and authorize staff to transmit a corresponding letter regarding S. 4814, the “Transportation Assistance for Olympic and World Cup Cities Act of 2024” introduced by Senator Maria Cantwell from Washington state.
This bill, if enacted, would amend title 49, United States Code, to provide transportation funding for cities hosting international sporting events taking place in the United States, and for other purposes.
Since the City of Carson will be a Venue City for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the proposed letter of support, included as Exhibit 1, additionally requests the author to consider including the City of Carson and other Venue Cities specifically by name in the final bill language.
II. RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
TAKE a position of support for S. 4814 and AUTHORIZE staff to transmit a corresponding letter.
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III. ALTERNATIVES
TAKE another action the Council deems appropriate and that is consistent with applicable laws.
IV. BACKGROUND
This bill allocates $50 million each fiscal year for transportation projects in cities hosting international sporting events, including the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The funding would be available to states, local governments, transit agencies, and metropolitan planning organizations located within 100 miles of the event. The grants must be used for transportation projects that support the movement of people and goods, not for temporary infrastructure specific to the event.
Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Commerce conduct studies on how hosting the Olympics and the World Cup affects the travel and tourism industry. These studies will examine changes in travel patterns, business revenues, and employment rates. The Department must submit reports on these findings after each event.
V. FISCAL IMPACT
No fiscal impact as the purpose of this item is to seek approval of the letter, only.
VI. EXHIBITS
1. Letter of Support for S. 4814 (pg. 3)
2. S. 4814 (pgs. 4 - 15)
Prepared by: Michael George, Assistant to the City Manager