Authorizing the creation of a Chippewa Valley regional transit authority and making appropriations. (FE)

Once the RTA is created, each municipality located in Eau Claire County is a member of the RTA, and Chippewa County, by adoption and ratification of a resolution, may opt to join the RTA. The jurisdictional area of the RTA is Eau Claire County and, if Chippewa County joins the RTA, Chippewa County.

The RTA's authority is vested in its board of directors, and its bylaws govern its management, operations, and administration. The RTA may 1) operate a transportation system or provide for its operation by contracting with a public or private organization; 2) impose, by its board of directors adopting a resolution, a sales tax at a rate not exceeding 0.5 percent of the sales price if certain conditions are satisfied; 3) acquire property by condemnation; and 4) issue tax-exempt revenue bonds. The RTA has a duty to provide, or contract for the provision of, transit service within the RTA's jurisdictional area. Rates and other charges received by the RTA must be used only for the general expenses and capital expenditures of the RTA, to pay interest, amortization, and retirement charges on the RTA's revenue bonds, and for specific purposes of the RTA and may not be transferred to any political subdivision.