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11 1 1 1 <br /> <br /> ~ ~ 11 1 ~ 1 ~ 1 <br /> R. PATRICK REITEN <br /> President <br /> 825 NE Multnomah Street, Suite 2000 <br /> Portland, OR 97232-4116 <br /> Office (503) 813-701 S <br /> Fax (503) 813-7109 <br /> November 6, 2008 <br /> The Honorable Theodore R Kulongoski <br /> 160 State Capitol <br /> 900 Court Street <br /> Salem, OR 973 01-4047 <br /> Dear Governor Kulongoski, <br /> I am pleased to submit to you the final report of your Transportation Vision Committee. Over the past <br /> year, a group of dedicated individuals worked together to develop these recommendations with the focus <br /> of how to make a new investment in the transportation system that creates jobs for our workers, a <br /> sustainable environment for our children and expand transportation choices for Oregonians. <br /> We believe this report charts a new course for transportation in Oregon. It departs from our traditional <br /> approach, which has led to fragmented and underfunded transportation programs, and puts us on path <br /> toward a sustainable transportation system that includes all modes to move people, goods and services <br /> safely and efficiently, and adequate funding of our system for the long-term. This report presents a multi- <br /> year strategy to change the way transportation investments are made and how they are funded. It ensures <br /> we make continued investments so we can maintain and modernize our infrastructure as repairs are <br /> needed, instead of the inefficient infusion of billions of dollars after decades of deferred maintenance - <br /> which is more costly to taxpayers and to our economy. The committee also hopes this report will engage <br /> Oregonians differently when they think about transportation and what it means to their lives and our <br /> collective quality of life. <br /> This report is the first step to making the critical transportation infrastructure investments that our <br /> economy needs. It provides a path to both jump-start our economy by investing in direct jobs today, and <br /> it provides a path to make sure we continue this investment in the future instead of the piecemeal <br /> approach of the past. I believe that this report is the comprehensive framework Oregon has been missing <br /> and marks the most ambitious, strategic and green transportation plan in Oregon history. <br /> As you take this document under advisement in preparation for the 2009 session, please know that the <br /> members of the committee stand ready to work with you as the legislative process begins in January. <br /> I want to thank all of the committee members for their hours of volunteered time and expertise in <br /> developing this report. And I want to thank you for allowing me to be a part of a process that will help <br /> create jobs, keep commerce and people moving, and maintain our position as leaders in green <br /> transportation. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> Pat Reiten <br /> President <br /> <br />