06/14/1989 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e He said the bridge is also intended to benefit the metropolitan street network by reducing loads on other streets. Ms. Bascom emphasized the need to complete the Eastbank Recreation Corridor. She stated that this need should be considered when deciding on the exact location of the Valley River Bridge. Mr. Reinhard agreed that this will be an important consideration. Ms. Bascom asked how the contribution of the private sector can be maximized with regard to this project. Christine Andersen, Public Works Director, said the engineering study will help determine who the bridge will benefit and what the funding breakdown should be. Mr. Bennett emphasized the tremendous need for a Valley River bridge and stated that this bridge will benefit a great many people besides the business and property owners surrounding Valley River Center. He asked why the property owners in the Valley River area would be asked to help fund this study, given that this is not the normal City policy. Ms. Andersen said the property owners have expressed willingness to help fund the study because they will derive benefit from the bridge and would like the study to proceed more quickly. Mr. Boles read a policy from the T-2000 Plan stating that "Public policies, particularly land use and transportation planning policies, should be directed toward limiting passenger automobile use while simultaneously developing alternative modes of transportation." He said the T-2000 Plan did e not include any reference to a Valley River Bridge, and that the proposed bridge will simply increase use of the private automobile. Mr. Boles voiced concern that the City is developing its transportation projects in a piecemeal fashion, without the necessary integration and without proper consideration for developing alternate modes of transportation. Ms. Andersen stated that the Valley River bridge was not referenced in the T-2000, although a bridge that would have linked River Road to the Goodpasture Island area was considered at the time the T-2000 Plan was drafted. This bridge would have been located further north than the proposed Valley River bridge. When the TransPlan was drafted, the need for the Valley River bridge was greater, but it was not listed as a priority project in that plan because the philosophy behind the plan is not to include a large number of facilities in the plan that cannot be constructed given the financial capacity of the metropolitan area. Ms. Andersen said this helps prevent overbuilding of transportation projects. In answer to Mr. Boles, Ms. Ehrman stated that the proposed Valley River bridge was included in the TransPlan, although it was not given a specific time frame. The project has increased in importance because of the commitment of the private sector. Ms. Ehrman felt that this commitment is necessary if the project is to proceed. Mr. Holmer said he believes a bridge in the Valley River area is necessary, but he offered support for Mr. Bole's concerns about the need to consider the e MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 14, 1989 Page 3