Invitation to Attend the Joint Committee on Transportation Listening Session

Written By Gavin Mahaley

I invite you to join us on Tuesday, June 18th, in Tillamook for a crucial listening session held by the Joint Committee on Transportation. These sessions aim to build a legislative understanding of Oregon's statewide transportation needs and shared priorities.

Event Details:

  • Date: Tuesday, June 18th

  • Location: Tillamook, Port of Tillamook Bay, Officer’s Mess Hall

  • Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Roundtable

    • 5:10 PM - 7:00 PM Public Comment

    Full Agenda Below

  • Submit written public comment (Written comments may be submitted up to 48 hours after the meeting starts time.)

Why Your Presence Matters:

The discussion will focus on transportation funding mechanisms rather than specific projects. However, to ensure regional trails are part of the transportation funding conversation, your voice is essential. We need to highlight the funding gap for the Oregon Community Paths program, which is crucial for creating and maintaining multi-use paths that improve safety and access for pedestrians and cyclists.

Key Points to Address:

  • Advocate for policy language supporting the inclusion of planned bike/ped facilities in major capital investment project corridors. This aligns with federal policies in IIJA, making Oregon more competitive for federal funding.

  • Highlight the Oregon Community Paths Program:

    • Oversubscribed: On average, by 4.25:1

    • Estimated Annual Need: $85 Million

    • Funding Gap: $60 Million

The Oregon Trails Coalition requested the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) address the funding gap in their presentations but was informed that the program is not a top-tier safety priority for the agency. This is partly because it is funded through various sources rather than the State Highway Fund. Your testimony can help shift this perspective.

If you're interested in attending, you can sign up here, and we will email you as details come in.

Thank you for your support and commitment to enhancing our transportation system.

Best regards,

Gavin Mahaley
Communications & Development Director
Salmonberry Trail Foundation

Full Agenda/Information

06/18/2024 11:30 AM , Port of Tillamook Bay, Officer’s Mess Hall 6825 Officer Row Tillamook, OR 97141

  • Field Trip

    • (11:30 AM - 1:30 PM) ODOT-Hosted Tour of Tillamook Area Transportation Facilities*

      (2:00 - 4:00 PM) Roundtable Discussion with Members of North West Area Commission
      on Transportation, Jurisdictional Leaders, Business Representatives, and Topic
      Area Experts*

      *Note: Persons wishing to attend either the roundtable or tour should contact Patrick Brennan at 503-986-1674 or patrick.h.brennan@oregonlegislature.gov in advance.

  • Public Hearing

    • (5:00 - 5:10 PM) ODOT Transportation Funding Review

      (5:10 - 7:00 PM) Public Comment

      Note change: times for agenda items have been updated.

      Register to give public comment:
      - Register in person at the location noted at the top of the agenda. Registration will open 30 minutes ahead of meeting start time.

      Register to give remote public comment:
      -Time permitting, the Chairs will allow for remote public comment, please register at
      https://survey.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_29lTFFE5K7Bl6LA

      Submit written public comment:
      -Email: JCT.exhibits@oregonlegislature.gov.
      -Mail: Joint Committee on Transportation
      900 Court Street NE, Room 453, Salem, OR, 97301

      -Written comment may be submitted up to 48 hours after the meeting start time.

 
Gavin Mahaley https://gavinmahaley.com
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