CEO Corner

By:
Steve Gilmore
CEO

The Wilsonville Chamber recently sent a letter to the Joint Policy Committee on Transportation, which is comprised of local elected officials and they act as an advisory board to of our regional government Metro on transportation issues, in support of increased funding for freight transportation projects. JPACT was considering changing the allocation formula for how $20-24 million in federal transportation funds are spent. In the past the majority of these funds have been used for active transportation projects and only about 10% historically had been allocated for freight projects in the metropolitan area.

A coalition of business groups and individual businesses strongly advocated for this formula to be altered to provide more balance in how these funds are allocated. The final business proposal requested 60% for active transportation and 40% for freight allocation however this effort was not ultimately successful. On a 7-6 vote the freight distribution was increased to 25%, and not 40%. This is a mixed result however it is a small step forward in the right direction. This decision will provide an additional $2-3 million dollars more every year for freight projects, which will help with some of our most congested freight corridors. With the change of policy elected officials are becoming more aware of the need for additional road funding, however the reasonable proposal brought forth by the business community was not ultimately accepted. Two of Wilsonville’s representatives, Washington County Commissioner Roy Rogers and Clackamas County Commissioner Ann Lininger, were strong advocates for the more balanced approach to funding. Their support on this important issue is appreciated and if you have a chance please thank them for their support.

This issue at Metro just represents a tip of the ice berg on the issues that the business community faces not just in Oregon but nationally on transportation funding. The Wilsonville Chamber will continue to be a strong advocate for freight and surface transportation funding because it is the lifeblood of our economy.