Item 2D - 2005 Leg.Policies Doc - Laserfiche WebLink

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2. Support distribution of Highway Trust Funds that are equitable and made cooperatively with local jurisdictions. 3. Support priority funding for projects when a local match is available. 2. OREGON TRANSPORTATION PLAN The City has strongly supported the Oregon Transportation Plan, ODOT's long-term, intermodal transportation planning effort. The City urges the Legislature to adopt measures to incrementally implement the plan's strategies for providing Oregon with a comprehensive, adequate transportation system. Recommendations: 1. Support all efforts to implement the Oregon Transportation Plan which are consistent with adopted City policies. 2. Support the State's partnership, including funding, in efforts to implement projects on state highways in Eugene that address the goals of the Oregon Transportation Plan and the City's Growth Management Policies. B. RAIL SERVICE The City strongly supports ODOT efforts to promote improved, high-speed, customer- friendly passenger rail service in Oregon and to obtain the matching federal and state funds needed to make track improvements to support faster service. In 1999, the Oregon Legislature approved funds for a second round trip train and for a network of connecting motorcoaches. In October 2000, Amtrak began a mid-morning departure from Eugene with an early evening return from Portland to Eugene. Ridership has shown encouraging gains in the past 5 years. The presence of connecting motorcoaches allows passengers from rural areas of Oregon to connect to trains in Eugene and Portland. The City of Eugene supports the high speed rail corridor track improvements which have now begun to reduce travel times and increase grade crossing safety in urban areas. Over the past five years, the entire Eugene-Springfield area has mobilized as a region to support the creation of this high-speed rail corridor. Not only will this bring closer cultural and economic ties throughout the Pacific Northwest, but will also mean fewer cars on Interstate 5. This reduction in vehicle miles traveled will in turn postpone the need for expensive road expansions, allow passengers and freight to move more quickly, and improve air quality. Public acquisition, restoration and improvement of the Eugene Amtrak terminal, which has garnered funding from the recent TEA-21 legislation, are also essential components of the overall passenger rail program. City of Eugene Legislative Policies, 2005 Session 20