Wyden Claims Transportation Bill Is a Win for Oregon Projects and Tourism Funding

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Thursday, December 03, 2015

GoLocalPDX News Team

U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) praised the passage of a "long-term plan to rebuild the national transportation infrastructure for including three essential highway projects in Oregon as well as vital tourism priorities for the state."

The transportation bill has been a bit of an indication of some bi-partisan functioning in Congress under the new House Leadership and Speaker Paul Ryan.

“This long-term approach to funding our highways provides the road map that’s a must for our economy to generate good-paying jobs,” said Wyden, a member of the transportation infrastructure conference committee that developed the legislation. “Rebuilding our country’s infrastructure creates much-needed certainty for businesses looking to invest and for state legislatures working to unsnarl transportation gridlock keeping too many workers stuck on the road instead of home with their families.”

Wyden said new projects within national scenic areas into the mix for transportation funding, including bridges near Hood River and Cascade Locks. He also cited another provision that upgrades both I-205 in Portland and the Newberg-Dundee Bypass to “high priority corridor” status, which means both routes would be poised right near the top of the list for future federal investment.

 

The Bill a Win for Tourism

Wyden claimed that the legislation is progress as it includes, important tourism-related provisions that would encourage states and metropolitan planning organizations to consult with local travel leaders in the development of their long-term transportation plans.

"The bill will ensure that the travel industry has a voice in transportation planning and that investments are targeted towards projects that improve traveler mobility—a key in growing Oregon’s economy,’ ” said Todd Davidson, CEO of Travel Oregon, the state’s tourism commission. “Thanks go to Senator Wyden, Congressman DeFazio and the Oregon delegation for fighting to include these policies. They clearly know the value of the state's travel and tourism industry, which has grown to over $10.3 billion while providing jobs for more than 100,000 Oregonians."

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