Oregon Business Association

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Transportation

Upcoming meeting: Thursday, April 10th. “Truckers and Travelers: Transportation Needs" with Bob Russell, Oregon Trucking Association and Craig Campbell, AAA Oregon/Idaho.

Oregon Business Association believes that a vibrant economy requires smart, sustained investments in basic infrastructure–from roads and transit to water systems and parks to railroads and airports. For years, Oregon maintained a statewide transportation system superior to nearly any in the country. But now, congestion and poor connectivity adversely impact the way Oregonians live and do business. OBA considers transportation an important economic issue that must receive priority by public and private leaders of the state.

OBA supports incorporating sustainability goals into all facets of the transportation system. Specifically, OBA supports efficient land use that reduces travel distances and increases travel options, a transition away from nonrenewable fuels to cleaner, renewable alternatives, and efforts to reduce greenhouse gases to avert climate change.

OBA supports a balanced approach to transportation that addresses regional connectivity, both within Oregon and between our neighboring states, to enhance the movement of goods via roads, air, rails and port activities.

Multi-Modal Investing

For a number of years, transportation infrastructure investment has primarily focused on maintenance and enhancements of the highway systems. For Oregon to stay competitive in the national and international markets, investments must be made not only in the highway systems but also in passenger and freight rail systems, marine and airport facilities, bus and other mass transportation options.

Specifically, OBA supports:

• Connect Oregon 2 to provide $100 million in additional lottery-backed bonds for investment in non-highway transportation infrastructure, including rail, marine, aviation and transit.
• Emphasizing interconnectivity in funding projects by adjusting the weighting system according to the ability of districts to get matching funds and the impact of the project on the state’s economy.
• Partnering with private sector and other governments (federal and local) to maximize cost benefit ratios.

State Police Funding

The State Police Department’s ability to provide adequate public safety has been reduced through budget cuts, population growth and an increase in highway miles traveled per person.

Specifically, OBA supports:

• Funding the State Police’s budget at a level that provides 24/7 coverage–139 new patrol positions.
• Funding of the entire State Police budget through the general fund. Services of the State Police should be given a core priority status to maintain an appropriate level of service even during challenging economic times.

Future Highway Funding

Electric vehicles, increased fuel efficiency, alternate fuels and other changes that lessen the relationship between petroleum taxes and highway use will have a significant impact on highway funding.

Specifically, OBA supports:

• Continuing fuel taxes as a “foundation” for transportation revenues.
• Increasing the fuel tax by 5¢ per gallon, phased in over 5 years at 1¢ per year, with increased revenue tied to identified system improvements.
• Indexation of the fuel tax to construction cost indices.
• Requiring the Road User Fee Task Force to report to the 2007 Legislature on the development of a revenue collection design that ensures a flow of revenue sufficient to preserve and improve Oregon’s highway and road system including but not limited to:
• Determining the feasibility of supplementing petroleum taxes through congestion and time-of-day pricing; and
• Determining equitable methods of taxing non-petroleum powered and fuel efficient vehicles whereby they pay their fair share.

Accountability

OBA will be a resource to the Legislature for the business point of view and will request that the Legislature charge its committees to monitor large-scale transportation construction projects such as the proposed new Interstate Bridge and the proposal to move the I-5 freeway from the east bank of the Willamette River.

As a business organization OBA will advocate for the following:

• Public involvement
• Accountability
• Transparency

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