Wayne
Bailey introduced four individuals,
Paul Heindrich, Jim Witty, Art
James and Dave Haugeberg,
two of whom were speakers regarding the Dundee By Pass.
The
speakers said that in 2001 ODOT was directed to create
public/private partnerships as an alternative way to fund large
road projects. This created the Oregon Transportation
Improvement Group. 46% of highway funds go to maintaining and
preserving roads, 17% go to debt service related to bonds, 5% go
to planning environment and system management, 9% go to
administration, 23% go to build new projects (1/2 currently is
bond money that will be gone in 5 years). The by-pass needs between $373.7 million
and $493.2 million to complete including Right-of- Way costs and that is
why they are pursuing the public/private partnerships.
Research
suggests that tolling-only would not be self supporting, however
pass-thru-tolling could be self supporting. The research
concluded that the by-pass is needed and can be financially
feasible. The idea of the tolling would not be to inflict costs
on the local residents, but to toll those that cause the
problem. 22% of Newberg/Dundee traffic are visitors to the area
and 48% are pass-thru visitors en route to other locations.
OTIG is looking into several toll options and none would require
drivers to stop at a booth, but would use modern technology of a
window charge card that is monitored by computers --- no lines.
The group was told that in
order to move forward, they would appreciate letters of support
from the community.
For a complete
copy of the report you can go to
http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/OIPP/docs/NewbergDundeeS2Milestone1Report.pdf
Greeters:
Van Keck & Ron Noble