Leffingwell: 2012 'Not the Right Time' for Urban Rail

Citing timing and financial constraints, Mayor Lee Leffingwell is arguing funding for Urban Rail shouldn't be put to voters this November.

In a post on his website, Mayor Leffingwell writes "we do not yet have a sufficient level of certainty regarding a plan to fund and manage operations and maintenance of an urban rail system. We also do not yet have the degree of certainty that I would like to see as it relates to a prospective federal funding match for construction costs, which is a fundamental need."

He also notes that in addition to potential rail funding on the ballot this November, "we are also poised to ask [voters] to approve a host of other critically needed bond investments." 

"Taking these two considerations together – the remaining level of uncertainty regarding the rail proposal, and the potential cumulative financial strain on Austin taxpayers – it’s my strong feeling that 2012 is not the right time to bring urban rail to the ballot." 

You can read Leffingwell's entire statement on his blog.