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Recommendations: <br /> <br /> 1. Support a service budget level of $9+ million in state funding for intercity rail service. <br /> <br /> 2. Support federal investment in passenger rail and ensure that funds are provided to match <br /> Oregon's investments in track improvements and capital projects undertaken by local <br /> governments. <br /> <br /> 3. Continue to advocate for additional funds and technologies to reduce interference and <br /> delays between freight trains and passenger trains sharing the same tracks. <br /> <br /> 4. Support additional planning and construction funds for local communities to improve <br /> safety at grade crossings, upgrade rail beds and acquire rights-of-way to facilitate <br /> "passing" areas for passenger trains and freight trains. <br /> <br /> 5. Support matching funding for the State for federal rail and station projects in the corridor. <br /> <br />C. COMMUNITY LIVABILITY - OREGON LIVABILITY INITIATIVE <br /> <br /> Livable, healthy cities form the foundation of a healthy, vibrant state. State agencies through the <br /> Community Solutions Team and other efforts, including the Governor's "Oregon Livability <br /> Initiative," are focusing attention on community-based solutions and investments. The initiative <br /> seeks to revitalize downtowns and main streets, reduce sprawl and traffic congestion, reward <br /> development of affordable housing and rebuild rural and distressed economies. <br /> <br /> Oregon's population has grown by 500,000 since 1990. In the next 20 years, our population is <br /> expected to grow by another 700,000. Governor Kitzhaber's Oregon Livability Initiative <br /> leverages existing revenues to invest in affordable housing, transportation, water, sewer and main <br /> streets. The Community Incentive Fund, created by the Oregon Legislature in 1999 in HB 2088, <br /> provides $5 million in gap financing and technical assistance to local communities and state <br /> agencies working to improve their communities. The City of Eugene is pursuing funding under <br /> these initiatives to revitalize its downtown and to help its community partners with affordable <br /> housing strategies. <br /> <br /> Recommendations: <br /> <br /> 1. Continue to support the Governor's Oregon Livability Initiative, and encourage <br /> additional funding for the Community Incentive Fund. <br /> <br /> 2. Support the continuation and expansion of the joint Oregon Department of Transportation <br /> and Department of Land Conservation and Development Transportation and Growth <br /> Management program, and urge that its approach to providing funding and assistance to <br /> local communities be incorporated throughout ODOT. <br /> <br />City of Eugene Legislative Policies, 2005 Session 21 <br /> <br /> <br />