SENATOR BETSY JOHNSON DISTRICT 16

Press Advisory

February 29, 2012

CONTACT:

Molly Woon (503) 986-1074

Johnson secures funding for critical transportation projects

SALEM – Senator Betsy Johnson, co-vice chair of the Joint Ways and Means Committee, helped negotiate legislation passed this morning in the Senate that will fund several critical transportation projects throughout Oregon, including several projects of significance in and near Senate District 16.

“There are well-known congestion and safety problems with Cornelius Pass and the Sellwood Bridge,” said Johnson (D-Scappoose). “These funds will speed up long-needed safety improvements to important transportation arteries.”

In 2008, the death of teenager Taijia Bellwood prompted calls for a safety study of Cornelius Pass Road. An audit conducted by the Federal Highway Administration made general recommendations to improve safety in 18 areas, ranging from physical hazards near the road to winter driving hazards, however there was never clearly identified funding for these improvements.

Senate Bill 1543 reallocates excess funds from the 2009 Jobs and Transportation Act to projects of regional importance, including a $9.5 million improvement to Cornelius Pass Road and an allocation of $5 million to complete the Sellwood Bridge Interchange.

“This legislation is particularly important considering the Federal Highway Administration’s report on needed safety improvements to Cornelius Pass,” said Johnson. “We shouldn’t wait for another tragic loss of life before we fix what is widely considered one the most dangerous stretches of road in Multnomah County.”

Johnson expressed particular appreciation for Senator Bruce Starr (R-Hillsboro) for his leadership on SB 1543. Cornelius Pass Road runs through both Senate Districts 16 and 15 and their joint work on this important bill is a testament to bipartisan cooperation. SB 1543 now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.

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