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11 1 1 1 ~ ~ 11 1 ~ I ~ 1 Introduction regon's multi-billion dollar transportation infrastructure hasn't been main- tained to keep up with population and freight traffic growth, hindering Or- r ~ egon's ability to move people, goods and commerce effectively throughout the state. If we do not make critical improvements, it is forecasted that congestion on our roads will increase by 42 percent by 2025, creating gridlock for commuters and further challenging Oregon's ability to compete in the traded sector economy. In addition, since transportation accounts for nearly 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, we must reexamine how we provide transportation options that com- plement our carbon reduction strategies. In December 2007, Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski, citing risks to the economy, environment and quality of life for all Oregonians, identified transportation as one of his top priorities for the 2009 Oregon Legislative session. Governor Kulongoski convened three workgroups composed of business leaders, legislators, local and state officials, transportation stakeholders and sustainability and land use experts to develop recommendations for a comprehensive transpor- tation package for the 2009 legislative session to meet immediate needs and cre- ate aframework for future action. The workgroups focused on three areas: Gover- nance; Public Awareness; and Vision. Governance: The Governance Committee, chaired by Steve Clark of Community Newspapers, was charged with developing recommendations for improving effi- ciency, coordination and accountability in the transportation system, including how transportation decisions are made, the balance between local, state and federal jurisdictions in decision-making, and how projects are prioritized. Public Awareness: The Public Awareness Committee, chaired by Chip Terhune, Chief of Staff to the Governor, was charged with developing a plan to engage the public in discussions about the importance of transportation to Oregon's economy and quality of life. The committee was asked to develop tools to help inform the public about the needs of the transportation system, its benefits, and how trans- portation dollars are spent at the local, state and federal levels. The Governor asked both of these committees to report to a third, the Transporta- tion Vision Committee, chaired by Patrick Reiten of Pacific Corp. Vision: The Transportation Vision Committee began its work by developing a con- sensus statement about what Oregon's transportation system should look like in 2030. It is intended that this vision will help guide transportation investments in 2009. The Governor outlined five core principles to use as guides in developing the recommendations: economic development; local decision-making; sustainability; transparency and oversight; and statewide distribution. i