Send Written Testimony To Ways And Means!
Talking Points: Support for Funding the Salmonberry Trail
Here are some talking points you can use for inspiration:
Statewide Benefit: The 82-mile Salmonberry Trail will connect communities from the Willamette Valley to the Oregon Coast, benefiting residents and visitors alike.
Economic Development: The trail will boost tourism and small businesses, especially in rural and coastal communities, supporting Oregon’s economic recovery.
Public Health: The trail encourages physical activity and outdoor recreation, which are critical for improving both physical and mental health.
Transportation Safety: The trail offers a safe, off-road route for schoolchildren, cyclists, and pedestrians, reducing reliance on dangerous highways.
Equity and Access: The trail expands access to outdoor space for historically underserved and rural communities.
Sustainable Infrastructure: Repurposes an existing rail corridor to create long-lasting, low-impact transportation and recreation infrastructure.
Broad Support: Local leaders, public health experts, and community members are united in support of this investment.
Or you can use this letter as-is or as inspiration:
Dear Co-Chairs Lieber and Sanchez and Members of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means,
I’m writing to express my strong support for state investment in the Salmonberry Trail. This project represents an exciting opportunity to create an 82-mile, safe, and accessible trail connecting the Oregon Coast and the Willamette Valley.
The Salmonberry Trail will bring a range of benefits to Oregonians—boosting local economies through increased tourism, promoting public health through active recreation, and improving transportation safety for those who currently lack safe alternatives to busy highways. It also creates equitable access to the outdoors, especially for rural communities that have historically seen less investment in recreational infrastructure.
As the state considers funding priorities, I urge you to include the Salmonberry Trail. This is a smart, future-focused investment that will serve Oregon for generations to come.
Thank you for your leadership.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Optional: Your City or Affiliation
This letter would need some edits in the first paragraph
Dear Co-Chairs Lieber and Sanchez and Members of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means,
As someone who works in healthcare/public health/local business, I’m writing in strong support of continued state investment in the Salmonberry Trail.
We know that physical activity, access to nature, and opportunities to connect with others are key to a healthy population. The Salmonberry Trail provides all of these, serving communities across Oregon with a safe, accessible corridor for walking, biking, running, and more. The mental and physical health benefits of this kind of infrastructure are well-documented and urgently needed.
The trail also brings tangible economic benefits. Active transportation investments have been shown to increase foot traffic and support local businesses—especially in rural and coastal areas. The Salmonberry Trail is a smart investment in Oregon’s health, economy, and long-term resilience.
Thank you for your attention and for considering this vital project.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Your Title/Organization (optional)
Your City
