Keep Salem Moving!

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Contact:

Mike Gotterba Emergency Preparedness/Communications Manager City of Salem Public Works Department 503-588-6211, mgotterba@cityofsalem.net Mark Becktel Transportation Services Manager City of Salem Public Works Department 503-588-6211, mbecktel@cityofsalem.net

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mayor's Forum—Keep Salem Moving!

Salem Mayor Janet Taylor will be hosting a Mayor’s Forum on Wednesday, January 30, 2008, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Salem Conference Center. The forum, featuring presentations by Mayor Taylor, Councilor Brad Nanke, and Mike McLaran (Salem Area Chamber of Commerce), will focus on finding solutions for repairing deteriorating streets and bridges throughout Salem as well as relieving congestion. Community members will use state-of-the-art electronic polling to share their priorities for reconstruction projects and safety improvements citywide.

As Salem continues to grow and the transportation network ages, the capacity of Salem’s streets and bridges is nearing a breaking point. Studies show some key facilities are aging and critical needs must be addressed soon.

With input from concerned citizens and community organizations, Salem transportation officials have developed a strategy to deal with Salem’s most pressing problems—to relieve traffic congestion, improve problem streets and bridges, and increase pedestrian safety.

The Mayor’s Forum provides an opportunity for the community to weigh in on the proposed strategy and to help find just the right solutions for Salem. Priorities generated at the forum will be reviewed by the Salem City Council in determining how to move forward to Keep Salem Moving!. Council is considering a multiyear transportation initiative and $89 million funding package to pay for the most urgent needs.

To find out more visit the Keep Salem Moving! website at www.cityofsalem.net/keepsalemmoving.html or contact Mike Gotterba at 503-588-6211 or mgotterba@cityofsalem.net.

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