Transportation consultant Barry Goodman met with Galveston City Council in workshop last Thursday, to discuss plans for two transportation terminals that have been proposed by the Livable Communities Steering Committee. Listen Download

Goodman also reviewed plans for the Island Transit Maintenance Facility.

"We received $800,000 from the FTA to improve the maintenance facility, which is not nearly enough to do what we need to do," Goodman said, estimating that the project would require $2.5 million.  He said there are a number of options to raise the additional funds.

"What is it you want us to do here?" asked Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas.

"Nothing, except know about it," Goodman responded.  "We try and update you as frequently as we can."

Goodman said that Galveston is well-positioned for federal funds.

"Galveston ranks at the top of all small urban systems in the country," Goodman said.  "That is why the federal government has given Galveston essentially a 50 percent increase in your federal funds."

Goodman suggested that the city council consider a new initiative to create a management district for the Downtown area, to allow downtown businesses to tax themselves for public improvements. 

"What council needs to decide at some point is whether or not we want to approach Downtown again regarding a district," Thomas said.  "It's not a very popular idea."

Goodman said that Houston has about 25 management districts that have worked to provide services and enhance property values.

"It's a clear win-win for everyone involved," Goodman said.  "I just think that it is so important that I am willing to spend the extra time to try and go to meetings and things to see if we can get some type of consensus, if council feels it is important to at least try again."