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existing system in which we and our citizens have already invested is a high priority and should <br />not be eliminated from funding consideration. I am looking forward to further dialogue with you <br />and other Lane County cities as the funding criteria recommendations are finalized.. <br />My next request is that you reprogram funding currently allocated in the County CIP for <br />improvements to Game Farm South, Harlow Road to Beltline Road. This project is currently <br />programmed to receive $190,000 for right-of--way acquisition and $1,900,000 for construction in <br />fiscal year 03-04. I ask you to redirect this funding to help fund a portion of the the Pioneer <br />Parkway Extension (PPE) project, a planned road extension which parallels the route of the <br />Game Farm project, as shown on the attached fact sheet and map. <br />The PPE has long been seen as the project in this area which would provide the north-south <br />arterial capacity for growth in traffic in the Gateway area with the least impact to existing <br />residences in the area. It is essential for the continued economic growth of the area. The time for <br />this improvement is now upon us, since traffic volumes on Game Farm Road have routinely <br />exceeded 10,000 vehicles per day and improvement of Game Farm Road, without the relief of <br />the PPE construction, will serve only to draw more trips to this overburdened street. The <br />redirection of this funding has a broad base of support from residents and property owners of the <br />area who would be most affected by the funding change, and from City officials and the business <br />community. <br />The Pioneer Parkway Extension is also emerging as a key component of the overall solution to <br />traffic mobility in the Gateway area. The continuing studies of the Beltline/I-5 interchange have <br />shown that the construction of the Pioneer Parkway Extension will not only reduce .traffic <br />volumes on Game Farm Road, but will also have positive effects on the State system. The PPE <br />will remove inappropriate traffic from Highway 126 (Eugene-Springfield Highway) and I-5, and <br />the PPE is a key component for solving the traffic safety and congestion problems at the <br />Gateway/Beltline intersection and for sound operation of a reconfigured I-5/Beltline interchange. <br />In summary, an investment in the Pioneer Parkway Extension will provide. a maximum of <br />transportation and economic benefits to the region, while relieving impacts on existing <br />neighborhoods. <br />Sincerely, <br />Mayor Sidney Leiken <br />City of Springfield <br />