NEW ORLEANS - Resolution R-19-80 by Transportation Chair and District "C" Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer requests a one-percent sales tax be rededicated to the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) from the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation (NOTMC). In 1985, New Orleans voters approved a one-percent sales tax dedicated to the City's transit system. However, a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement (CEA) signed in 2000 redirected 40 percent of the millions of dollars in annual revenue to NOTMC. Councilmember Palmer supports the RTA in its efforts to terminate the CEA and reclaim tax revenues in order to invest in transit services, improve amenities for riders and replace aging vehicles.
 
"This resolution in no way seeks to disparage the NOTMC or their important work in the hospitality and tourism industry.  The hospitality industry is vital to our city's success. But, we need to support the tens of thousands of employees who allow the industry to flourish and depend on public transit. Furthermore, these are funds the public intended to go to the RTA specifically for public transit. Our aging bus fleet was replaced after Katrina and is at the end of its lifespan. We need a new fleet, more bus routes and expanded services, especially for hospitality workers," said Councilmember Palmer.

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Media Contact:
Tiffaney Bradley
Communications Director
Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer, District "C"
Tiffaney.bradley@nola.gov
(504) 295-4970