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The Problem
You may have noticed problems in your neighborhood and around town: heavy traffic, auto-eating potholes, bridges built before your grandparents' day, and pedestrian safety concerns.
You're aware of these problems—and so is the City of Salem.
The main cause for the problem with Salem's streets and bridges is the City's tight maintenance budgets. Many key facilities are near the end of their useful life, but transportation funds are constrained. Today, auto-related taxes total 35¢ per gallon in Oregon versus neighboring states of California ($1.13), Washington ($1.00), and Idaho (71¢).
There hasn't been an increase in Oregon's gasoline tax since 1993. Meanwhile, the cost to repair our streets and bridges has risen by 70 percent and the purchase power of a 1993 dollar has shrunk to only 58 cents.
Funding the Most Urgent Needs
Knowing there won't be enough money to take care of all these needs, Salem's leaders have identified projects to address only the most urgent needs pinpointed by citizens. Priority projects are planned for every corner of the city—and in your own neighborhood—to:
- Relieve traffic congestion.
- Reconstruct failing bridges and street pavement.
- Improve safety.
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"The capacity of Salem's streets and bridges is being stretched "to the max" as the community grows and our transportaiton network ages.
Please join me to discuss this important community issue with your neighbors, local business owners, City leaders, and others at one of these informative meetings."
— Mayor Janet Taylor
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City Council Public Hearing
Monday, March 10, 2008
Civic Center Council Chambers
6:30 p.m.To learn about Keep Salem Moving!
Contact Mike Gotterba
City of Salem Public Works Department
503-588-6211 / mgotterba@cityofsalem.net
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