| OTC Report |
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| From Matt Garrett |
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November 2007
The monthly Oregon Transportation Commission meeting took place in Canyonville this week, and we did things a bit differently.
The commission conducted the official meeting in the afternoon on November 14. Jim Whitty, who has led the mileage fee pilot project for six years, briefed the commission on the report being released this week. The nation has watched this experiment to see if it is feasible to charge motorists by the mile rather than by the gallon of gas purchased. This was significant field research and proved that the concept is doable. It remains to be seen where the policy makers take it from here.
The commission adopted the 2008-2013 Highway Division funding allocations, the 2010-2013 STIP targets, and the final 2008-2011 STIP. In other business, the commission affirmed focus areas for the 2008 Transportation Enhancement project selection process; approved project authorization increases for the I-5 McKenzie River to Goshen Grade Bundle 215 project in Lane county, and for the I-84/U.S. 395 Stanfield Interchange project in Umatilla County; approved an Immediate Opportunity Fund Request for the placement of a veterans clinic in LaGrande; approved the administrative rules for the Connect Oregon II project selection process; and discussed replacing the Projects of Statewide Significance list to be more adaptable to changing transportation needs.
That evening, the commission members and selected ODOT staff heard a presentation from Tribal Chair Sue Shaffer of the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribes of Indians, and then all had dinner with tribal leaders.
On November 15, commission and staff traveled to Roseburg to meet with state and local officials, who made several quality presentations on transportation issues and challenges in southern Oregon.
The next meeting of the Oregon Transportation Commission will be December 12 in Salem.
Here’s to a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.
All my best,
Matt
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