| Press Release |
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| November 6, 2008 |
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Governor Receives Transportation Report from Advisory Committee
Committee delivers recommendations for comprehensive statewide transportation investment, creating jobs, strengthening the economy and reducing carbon emissions
(Salem) – Today Governor Ted Kulongoski received a report from his Transportation Vision Committee outlining a comprehensive transportation plan for consideration as the Governor develops his agenda for the 2009 legislative session.
“One of the most important investments we can make during a slow economy is in public works projects, such as transportation,” Governor Kulongoski said. “An investment in transportation creates jobs immediately. The state is committed to doing its part and I look forward to working with our congressional delegation to make this investment in transportation infrastructure a national priority so we can get Oregonians back to work.”
Last year, Governor Kulongoski convened three workgroups composed of business leaders, legislators, local and state officials, transportation stakeholders and sustainability and land use experts to develop recommendations for a comprehensive transportation package for the 2009 legislative session to meet immediate needs and create a framework for future action. The workgroups focused on three areas: Governance; Public Awareness; and Vision.
“Oregon’s transportation system is not currently equipped to respond to the needs of a global economy, increases in population, rising energy costs, and our obligation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” the Governor continued. “To address this challenge, we need a comprehensive strategy that reaches statewide, creates jobs, provides for continued investment over the long-term and helps reduce carbon emissions.”
The Governor outlined five core principles to guide the development of the committee’s recommendations: economic development; local decision-making; sustainability; transparency and oversight; and statewide distribution.
“After a year of work and hundreds of volunteer hours from experts across the state, we've presented the Governor with a report that charts a new course for transportation in Oregon,” said Pat Reiten, Chair of the Governor’s Transportation Vision Committee. “It departs from our traditional approach, which has led to fragmented and underfunded transportation programs, and puts us on path toward a sustainable transportation system that includes all modes to move people, goods and services safely and efficiently, and funds our system for the long-term.”
The report delivered to the Governor today includes recommendations for reducing vehicles miles traveled in urban areas, a dedicated fund for non-highway transportation investments, a new transportation utility commission, and dollars for rural counties hit hardest by the scheduled sunset of the federal forest payments. The committee also recommends a series of funding options, including bonding, a new vehicle title fee, and a path to transition away from the gas tax as the central funding source for transportation.
“I appreciate the work of everyone involved in this report,” the Governor said. “I did not issue an easy charge. This kind of review and comprehensive look at our transportation infrastructure was long overdue. I look forward to reviewing the recommendations and having a lively but respectful discussion with the legislature and the public about the need to make key investments to strengthen our economy and create thousands of family-wage jobs.”
The Governor will use this report to inform his transportation agenda for the 2009 legislative session, which he is scheduled to present to a joint hearing of the Senate and House Transportation Committees on Monday, November 10, 2008.
For a link to the report, click here.
Contact:
Anna Richter Taylor, 503-378-6169
Rem Nivens, 503-378-6496
Jillian Schoene, 503-378-5040
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