Oregon Business Association

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Transportation

Oregon’s transportation infrastructure represents a multi-billion dollar asset that has not been adequately maintained or expanded to keep up with population and economic growth. As a global gateway and domestic hub, Oregon has a highly trade dependent economy with one in five jobs being transportation related or reliant. Failure to invest adequately in transportation improvements will lead to additional travel delays and associated reductions in market access, and may result in a potential economic loss of $1.7 billion annually by 2025, with a loss of 16,000 ongoing jobs.

In addition, since transportation accounts for nearly 40% of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions, Oregon must ensure investments in alternative modes of all kinds to provide transportation options for Oregon residents and businesses. Oregon Business Association believes transportation investments must reach every corner of the state and that all Oregonians must benefit from the investment.

Support the Columbia River Crossing

The Columbia River Crossing, one of the largest public works projects in the Pacific Northwest, is located on the west coast’s main trade corridor from British Columbia to Mexico. Congestion on the bridge threatens the competitiveness of Oregon’s trade dependent economy. Improvements are necessary in order to address seismic and safety concerns, improve barge traffic, eliminate drawbridges, and improve movement of goods. The addition of light rail and tolls will provide choices for commuters and incentives to use public transit.

OBA supports a replacement bridge with light rail and improved pedestrian and bicycle facilities.

Promote Climate Friendly Transportation

Because transportation accounts for a significant portion of the state’s greenhouse gases, it is critical to pursue investments and strategies that address the state’s global warming goals.

OBA supports climate friendly transportation efforts, including:

• Adoption of pricing signals
• Use of least cost planning to evaluate the consequences and trade offs of transportation and land use choices
• Expanded rail and river capacity for passengers and freight, including city to city and high speed passenger rail
• Exempting non-discretionary freight and rural trips from efforts to reduce vehicle-miles-traveled

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