Joint Committee On Transportation Roundtable With Public Comment

We 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.

NOTE: YOU DO NOT NEED TICKETS TO ATTEND THIS EVENT. USING THIS PLATFORM GIVES YOU A CALENDAR INVITE AND LETS US EASILY COMMUNICATE WITH YOU IF WE FIND OUT ABOUT ANY CHANGES. IT ALSO LETS US KNOW HOW MANY SUPPORTERS WILL BE ATTENDING. THANK YOU!

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, June 18th
• Time: 2:00  - 4:00 Roundtable // 5:10 - 7:00 PM Public Comment
• Location: Tillamook, Port of Tillamook Bay, Officer’s Mess Hall

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.

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

Best regards,
Salmonberry Trail Foundation