Issue Position: Transportation

Issue Position

Issue Position: Transportation

Oregon's multi-billion dollar transportation infrastructure hasn't been maintained to keep up with population growth and freight traffic, hindering Oregon's ability to move people, commerce and goods effectively throughout the state. If critical improvements are not made, it is forecasted that congestion on our roads will increase by 42 percent by 2025, creating gridlock for commuters and further challenging Oregon's ability to compete in the traded sector economy. In addition, since transportation accounts for nearly 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, Oregon must reexamine how we provide transportation options that complement our carbon reduction strategy.

ANSWERING THE OREGON CHALLENGE

TRANSPORTATION FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

Problem: Oregon's multi-billion dollar transportation infrastructure hasn't been maintained to keep up with population growth and freight traffic, hindering Oregon's ability to move people, commerce and goods effectively throughout the state. If critical improvements are not made, it is forecasted that congestion on our roads will increase by 42 percent by 2025, creating gridlock for commuters and further challenging Oregon's ability to compete in the traded sector economy. In addition, since transportation accounts for nearly 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, Oregon must reexamine how we provide transportation options that complement our carbon reduction strategy.

Solution: Governor Kulongoski convened three workgroups comprised 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. This package will be guided by five principles: Economic Development; Local Control; Sustainability; Transparency and Oversight; and Statewide Distribution. The workgroups are focused on three areas: Vision; Governance; and Public Awareness.

Vision: The Vision Subcommittee is charged with reevaluating the way Oregon funds its transportation system as it transitions to more fuel efficient and alternative modes of transportation. The committee will develop a package of recommendations for the 2009 session as a first step in a multi-year process to create an affordable, predictable and sustainable transportation finance system that complements Oregon's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Governance: The Governance Subcommittee is charged with developing recommendations for improving efficiency, coordination and accountability in the transportation system, including how transportation decisions are made, the balance between local, state and federal jurisdictions in decision-making, and how projects are prioritized.

Public Awareness: The Public Awareness Subcommittee is charged with developing a plan to engage the public about the importance of transportation to Oregon's economy and quality of life. The committee will develop tools to help educate the public about the needs of the transportation system, its benefits and how transportation dollars are spent at the local, state and federal levels.

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