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11 1 1 1 <br /> ~ ~ 11 1 ~ I ~ 1 <br /> Cha ter One <br /> p <br /> Transitional Pillars: <br /> The foundation for a new, <br /> sustainable approach to transportation <br /> egon has established a strong house gas emissions. As the state's <br /> ..foundation for its transportation population and economy grow, Oregon <br /> ' system by making smart invest- will be unable to meet its emission <br /> menu throughout the years based on reduction targets if Oregonians have no <br /> community needs, economic stability choice but to continue driving as much <br /> and environmental considerations. As as the average household does today. <br /> new demands pressure the system, <br /> including increasing population, volatile The state's fast-growing metropolitan <br /> fuel supplies, and global warming, a areas need new planning initiatives to <br /> new approach will strengthen that foun- enable communities to provide a mix of <br /> elation. The following are proposed new transportation choices -walking, bik- <br /> <br /> "pillars" of a framework for the future, ing and transit as well as driving -and <br /> more mixed-use development in town <br /> Create dedicated funding for centers, main streets and other appro- <br /> non-highway investments. priate places, so that more Oregonians <br /> Before creation of the ConnectOregon have the opportunity to get to and from <br /> program in 2005, there was no mecha- destinations with fewer miles of driv- <br /> nism for routine investment in Oregon's ing. These transportation and land use <br /> non-highway transportation system, planning strategies should be employed <br /> Given the constitutional restrictions primarily in the larger urban areas of <br /> placed on Oregon's highway fund1, the Oregon, where most growth is predicted <br /> Vision Committee recommends the im- to occur in the next 20+ years and the <br /> mediate creation of a fund statutorily opportunities for providing more mixed- <br /> dedicated to investments in Oregon's use development are greatest. Rural Or- <br /> non-highway transportation needs. A egonians will need to be able to main- <br /> dedicated fund is imperative to assure tain current driving patterns because of <br /> balanced, multimodal transportation greater distances and fewer transporta- <br /> services for people and goods. tion choices in the near term. The state <br /> should seek sufficient improvement <br /> Ensure Oregon's transportation in rural area transportation emissions <br /> system meets the state's goals for through improvements in vehicles and <br /> reducing greenhouse gas emissions. fuels. <br /> Reducing transportation greenhouse <br /> gases requires that Oregonians have In urban area plans, to reduce the need <br /> choices in how they travel, the trans- for driving, priority should be given to <br /> portation systems that serve them, and maintaining freight trips because the <br /> the towns and neighborhoods in which movement of goods is critical to the <br /> they live and work. Oregon should con- state's economic health. In planning <br /> tinue to require that new cars and light transportation system improvements <br /> trucks sold in the state emit less green- to reduce reliance on driving, the state <br /> 1The Oregon Constitution (Article IX, section 3a) dedicates the money raised by taxes and fees on the <br /> ownership, operation or use of motor vehicles or on the fuel they use. The money may only be used <br /> for the maintenance, operation, improvement or construction of Oregon's public highways, roads and <br /> streets, with limited exceptions. <br /> 1 <br /> <br />