Why is it Important?
Economic opportunity and a healthy transportation system are undeniably linked. The transportation system connects markets, moves goods and provides access to work, play and the pursuits of all Oregonians. Transportation systems are a major contributor to land use patterns and livability. The transportation system is a critical part of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fighting global warming.
The Oregon Business Plan Vision for Transportation
The Oregon Business Plan envisions a transportation system that safely supports people, places and the economy. Specifically, the system should:
- Provide timely access to global markets.
- Be nimble enough to accommodate growth wherever it occurs in the state
- To the greatest extent possible, utilize energy efficient vehicles powered by renewable fuels and non-motorized sources to move all transportation modes.
- Produce greenhouse gas emissions that are consistent with the reduction targets established in state and federal law.
- Provide Oregonians and visitors with real transportation choices, and transfer easily between air, rail, motor vehicle, bicycle and public transportation.
- Utilize new technologies to improve efficiency and mobility.
- Utilize innovative, adequate and reliable sources of funding for the whole transportation system.
Where we stand today
Oregon has made significant progress since the Oregon Business Plan was launched in 2002, but our transportation system is still not prepared to deal with Oregon’s growing population, the globalized economy, or the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Much of our state’s transportation infrastructure is in need of major repair and expansion. Without it we endanger the safety of our drivers and increase traffic congestion, pollution, and gridlock. However, Oregon is poised to reclaim its role as a pioneer in transportation policy, as we redesign our system to prioritize environmental quality, livability, and a healthy traded sector economy.
Thanks to the strong support of Governor Kulongoski and the Oregon Legislative leadership, transportation was one of the top legislative priorities for 2009 and a $350 million transportation funding package was adopted. The legislation also endorsed a “least cost planning” model to plan future transportation projects, and the state continues to promote clean technologies, helping us fuel our vehicles with renewable energy sources like biofuel, electricity, and fuel cells.
Priority Action Items
1. The Columbia River Crossing addresses one of the west-coast’s largest transportation bottlenecks. The 2011 legislature needs to send an unmistakably strong signal of support for this project to the federal government, the State of Washington and regional leaders. The estimated state share of the project is $450 million and legislative approval of the full amount would significantly advance the project.
2. Transportations projects under OTIA need to move ahead. The state has made tremendous strides in delivering on OTIA program projects. The Business Plan received generally positive input regarding the projects around the state although there was hope expressed that the delivery time-table for projects could be accelerated with additional coordination and streamlined permitting.
3. Connect Oregon IV will add to our portfolio of transportation options. The previous Connect Oregon programs have delivered significant benefit to the state’s multi-modal transportation system. In these difficult budget times the Business Plan recognizes that all areas of the general fund/lottery budget will need to absorb some reductions. Nevertheless, additional investments are both necessary and provide immediate employment benefits and long term economic advantage. The Plan recommends moving forward with a significant investment through Connect Oregon recognizing that reaching the level of investment of past biennia may not be possible.
4. Implementing the Oregon Freight Plan will create jobs. Oregon is the nation’s ninth most trade dependent state and ranks near the top in export value growth in recent years. The Business Plan supports the goals outlined in the Draft Oregon Freight Plan of identifying, prioritizing and facilitating investments in Oregon’s highway, rail, marine, air and pipeline transport infrastructure to further a safe, seamless multimodal and interconnected freight system. The Plan supports the plan’s call for exploring greater use of federal funding tools such as Build America Bonds, Section 129 loans, Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) credit assistance, and Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicles (GARVEE) bonds. The Plan also supports exploring additional state funding sources such as ConnectOregon, Oregon Jobs and Transportation Act (JTA), Oregon Transportation Improvement Acts (OTIAs), public-private partnerships for freight system improvements.
5. Aggressively move forward to implement requirements of House Bill 2001, as adopted by the 2009 Oregon Legislature, and take steps to implement recommendations of the 2008 Transportation Vision Committee Report to improve the alignment, efficiency and cost-effectiveness of transportation systems provided by the state, counties, cities and special service districts in Oregon. Additionally, move to adopt remaining recommendations of the Transportation Vision Committee Report including: the development of a new funding allocation formula that better reflects the transportation needs and benefits regardless of what entity owns the facility; development of new highway design investment criteria that better reflect local needs and financial realities; co-location of ODOT and local transportation agency staff to improve communication and coordination; review of state highway programs to reflect the lack of local or state resources to address these corridors and the fact that many of them serve as local streets; a review and evaluation of whether the MPO stakeholder involvement processes allow adequate community input; and a review of ODOT project selection criteria to ensure that economic development and job creation receive significant consideration in the process.