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The study area encompasses the Eugene-Springfield and Portland-Vancouver urban areas and is part of the federally-
<br />designated Pacific Northwest Rail Corridor. The Leadership Council, led by co-chairs Eugene Mayor Kitty Piercy and John
<br />Russell, agreed with ODOT’s Oregon Passenger Rail Project team that Alternative 1, using the existing Union Pacific
<br />alignment, is the preferred option because it provides more frequent and reliable rail service in a cost-effective way.
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<br />The recommended preferred alternative increases Amtrak Cascades intercity passenger rail service between Eugene and
<br />Portland from two daily round trips to six daily round trips over the next 20 years. This planned increase in passenger rail
<br />service in Oregon will also match scheduled train service north of Portland Union Station into Washington and British
<br />Columbia. The recommendation was developed after years of technical analysis, robust public engagement and Leadership
<br />Council deliberation. The recommendation is a major milestone toward making Oregon eligible to compete for future
<br />federal funding when it becomes available, such as the recently approved FAST (Fixing America’s Surface Transportation)
<br />Act transportation bill.
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<br />Echoing many of the group members, Leadership Council member Representative Nancy Nathanson, wrote: “Alternative 1
<br />is the best opportunity to advance passenger rail in Oregon. It provides a cost-effective choice that will increase the
<br />reliability and frequency of rail service near population centers in the Willamette Valley, with shorter travel times and an
<br />ability to implement incrementally when funding becomes available. While true high speed rail is not precluded from
<br />future consideration, Alternative 1 has the support of our federal partners at the Federal Railroad Administration and is
<br />something Oregon should support building.”
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<br />For more information, please contact Transportation Planning Manager Rob Inerfeld at 541-682-5343 or
<br />rob.inerfeld@ci.eugene.or.us.
<br />
<br />National Preparedness Month a Success
<br />September was National Preparedness Month and the City’s Emergency Management Program offered a full schedule of
<br />events that included a Disaster Preparedness Vendor Fair at Kesey Square, several emergency preparedness presentations
<br />for both employees and the public, and participation in many local events, reaching over 1,000 community members in
<br />September alone.
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<br />In support of employee and family preparedness, the Emergency Management Program also facilitated employee
<br />purchases of emergency supplies. Emergency Management staff conducted demonstrations and received orders from over
<br />60 employees from every City department. The most popular items were emergency radios, water filtration bottles, five-
<br />gallon BPA-free water containers and 72-hour kits. This was the third year in a row that the City has facilitated employee
<br />purchase of emergency supplies for home preparedness. Having supplies at home for their families makes it easier for
<br />employees to respond to work events knowing that they have provided for their households.
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<br />For more information, contact Senior Program Coordinator Patence Winningham, City of Eugene Emergency Management
<br />Program, Central Services Department, at 541 682-5860 or patence.m.winninngham@ci.eugene.or.us.
<br />
<br />Inerfeld Tapped for LOC Transportation Policy Committee
<br />Transportation Planning Manager Rob Inerfeld, in Public Works Engineering, will join Eugene City Councilor Greg Evans as
<br />a member of the League of Oregon Cities’ (LOC) Transportation Policy Committee in 2016.
<br />
<br />The Transportation Policy Committee reviews policy decisions and recommends legislative positions
<br />and strategies related to streets and roads, traffic safety, public transit, and rail.
<br />
<br />“We expect a very busy couple of years as we advocate for healthy Oregon cities, and your role in
<br />developing policies and a legislative agenda for cities is a critical one,” LOC President Peter Truax
<br />wrote in announcing Inerfeld’s appointment to a two-year term on the policy team.
<br />
<br />For more information, contact Inerfeld at 541-682-5343 or rob.inerfeld@ci.eugene.or.us.
<br />
<br />Winter Break Fun for Kids and Teens at Eugene Public Library
<br />While school’s out, come on in to the Eugene Public Library for free, fun, and educational activities for kids,
<br />families, and teens!Kids love Mz. Pearl’s Variety Show featuring Heather Pearl’s delightful and hilarious
<br />
<br />physical comedy, juggling, magic, and more. See it at the Downtown Library on Tuesday, Dec. 22, at 1 and 3
<br />p.m. (Due to limited space, pick up free tickets starting 30 minutes before each show.) Or catch the show on
<br />Saturday, Jan. 2, at 1 p.m., at Bethel Branch, or at 3 p.m., at Sheldon Branch.
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<br />EUGENE CITY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER PAGE 2
<br />December 17, 2015
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