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<br /> <br />Support the State’s partnership, including funding, in efforts to implement <br /> 2. <br />projects on state highways in Eugene that address the goals of the Oregon <br />Transportation Plan which are consistent with the City’s growth <br />management policies. <br /> <br /> <br />B. RAIL SERVICE <br /> <br /> <br /> The City strongly supports ODOT efforts to promote improved, high-speed, customer- <br />friendly passenger rail service in Oregon and to obtain the matching federal and state funds <br />needed to make track improvements to support faster service. <br /> <br />In 1999, the Oregon Legislature approved funds for a second round trip train and for a network of <br />connecting motorcoaches. In October 2000, Amtrak began a mid-morning departure from <br />Eugene with an early evening return from Portland to Eugene. Ridership has shown encouraging <br />gains in the past 7 years. The presence of connecting motorcoaches allows passengers from rural <br />areas of Oregon to connect to trains in Eugene and Portland. <br /> <br />The City of Eugene supports the high speed rail corridor track improvements which have now <br />begun to reduce travel times and increase grade crossing safety in urban areas. Over the past five <br />years, the entire Eugene-Springfield area has mobilized as a region to support the creation of this <br />high-speed rail corridor. Not only will this bring closer cultural and economic ties throughout the <br />Pacific Northwest, but will also mean fewer cars on Interstate 5. This reduction in vehicle miles <br />traveled will in turn postpone the need for expensive road expansions, allow passengers and <br />freight to move more quickly, and improve air quality. <br /> <br />Public acquisition, restoration and improvement of the Eugene Amtrak terminal, which has <br />garnered funding from the recent TEA-21 legislation, are also essential components of the overall <br />passenger rail program. <br /> <br /> Recommendations: <br /> <br />1. Support a service budget level of $10+ 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 />City of Eugene Legislative Policies, 2007 Session <br />With IGR Mtg 10/17 and 10/26 Amendments C:\Documents and Settings\ceexelf\Local Settings\Temporary Internet <br />Files\OLK10B\LegPol2007Sesxx1.doc <br />Updated on: 11/6/2006 By: Last saved by ceexmfw <br /> 31 <br /> <br />