Transportation committee statewide tour goes to Southern Oregon

The co-chairs of the Joint Committee on Transportationannounced the venues and agendas for the fifth and sixth stops on the Transportation Safety and Sustainability Outreach Tour in Coos Bay and Medford.

As part of both tour stops, the committee will hold public hearings to listen to members of the community about local transportation needs and how the Legislature should support the long-term safety and maintenance of Oregon's transportation systems.

"We need to improve our transportation systems -- from roads and bridges, to buses and bike paths -- by stabilizing the way we fund and maintain them," said Rep. Susan McLain (D - Hillsboro). "We’ve had tremendous public participation thus far and I want to thank the public for telling us about the transportation needs and solutions they want the legislature to consider in the future."

Coos Bay and Medford Public Hearings details

● Tour Stop #5 Public Hearing - August 7, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Marshfield High School

Heritage Hall, S. 10th & Ingersoll St., Coos Bay, Oregon

● Tour Stop #6 Public Hearing - August 8, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Jackson County Expo Center

1 Peninger Street, Central Point, Oregon

Both hearings will be available via livestream on olis.oregonlegislature.gov. ASL and Spanish interpretation will also be on site for these and all stops of the tour.

Members of the public interested in testifying can register in person starting 30 minutes before the meeting begins. The committee will also hear remote testimony if time permits, which the public can register for on the committee's webpage at olis.oregonlegislature.gov. Additionally, written testimony can be submitted to the committee via email to JCT.exhibits@oregonlegislature.gov.

Preceding both public hearings, members of the committee will take guided trips of transportation facilities in the region and hold a roundtable discussion to better understand the transportation needs through the expertise and lived experience of local partners and officials.

"Oregon needs a transportation system that is safe, functional, and efficient. This tour is bringing us into different parts of the state so we can see and hear first-hand what the Legislature should prioritize during the legislative session ahead," said Sen. Chris Gorsek (D - Gresham).

During the most recent stops in Albany and Eugene, more than 70 people testified in person. Legislators heard about dangerous intersections on local and state roads that needed updating; the importance of continued infrastructure maintenance; opportunities to expand public transit, bike routes and pedestrian pathways; and concerns about increased wear on roads from tourism traffic. Legislators also heard about potential future avenues for funding that Oregonians want them to consider.

After four tour stops, the committee has received 506 pieces of written and in-person testimony.

Perspectives and information gathered by the committee during its 12-stop tour will inform legislators as they develop a plan in the 2025 session to maintain critical infrastructure, complete work on major projects, and guarantee the safety and diversity of transportation systems across the state.

The committee is vice-chaired by Sen. Brian Boquist (R - rural Polk and Yamhill counties) and Rep. Shelly Boshart Davis (R - Albany, Millersburg, and Tangent).

The complete tour agenda was announced on May 10; venues will be announced prior to each tour stop.