The Oregon Joint Committee on Transportation recently wrapped up its 12-stop tour to determine how to fix the many ways Oregonians need a safe, functional and efficient transportation system. Now the committee will convene three workgroups tasked with providing a starting point for the legislature in 2025.

From June through September, legislators visited 12 cities around Oregon where legislators and staff received more than 1,000 pieces of spoken and written testimony and engaged in detailed dialogue with 285 roundtable participants.

Election years give voters a preview of what legislation will look like if reelecting the same people. Developing consensus ideas, in most cases, is a show of cooperation to impress voters. The group expressed the need to address Oregon’s transportation system with a focus toward fundamental maintenance and safety, public transit options, and finishing major existing projects.

The Joint Committee on Transportation is made up of 12 members, seven Democrats and 5 Republicans. Three workgroups consisting of approximately 50 members consisting of committee members and stakeholder will determine the direction the legislation will take. Meetings will be livestreamed and posted on the Oregon Legislative Information System. The three workgroups will be:

• Back-to-Basics / Maintenance and Operations: Preservation of our systems and ADA requirements
• Public and Active Transit: Transit, Rail, Micromobility, Safe Routes to School
• Finishing 2017 Priority Commitments: Projects with statewide significance that are already in process with state and major federal funding secured (e.g., I-205-Abernethy Bridge, the I-5 Rose Quarter Safety Improvement Project).

“Whether we were in Ontario, Coos Bay, Bend, or Tillamook, we learned about the unique challenges that different communities face when it comes to transportation infrastructure," said Senator Chris Gorsek (D - Gresham), committee chair. "We also heard many common themes: Oregonians said they want well-maintained roads, stable bridges, multiple modes of transit, and for everyone to pay their fair share.”

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

, “Inaction is not an option — based on what we learned during our statewide tour, the legislature must act in 2025 to provide stable and sufficient funding to our transportation systems,” said Rep. Susan McLain (D - Hillsboro). "Now that we’ve heard from the public, members of the committee will lead workgroup discussions in three key areas so the legislature can consider the best package for all Oregonians using our roadways."

"Over the past several months, this committee engaged in robust discussions with members of the public and community leaders about their needs and their suggestions for how we fund those needs. Those conversations were a vital step in crafting a path forward," said House Speaker Julie Fahey (D-West Eugene & Veneta) and Senate President Rob Wagner (D-Lake Oswego). "Now, the work groups will incorporate those perspectives into discussions about how we maintain a safe, functional, and efficient transportation system.”

This is the slow easing towards developing the need to support a tolling package that can’t be refuted by voters regardless of prior outcries. The only option is to vote.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2024-10-16 22:49:51

Last Update: 2024-10-16 23:11:23