Oregon Transportation Commission seeks public input on state rail plan

The Oregon Transportation Commission recently released a draft of the 2014 State Rail Plan (SRP) to enable the public to review and comment on the document. Comments will be accepted until June 20.

The SRP will help guide decisions about investments in the state's rail system. An 18-member steering committee helped develop the goals, policies and strategic actions in the draft plan. Members considered a variety of factors while drafting the SRP, including passenger- and freight-rail system needs, alternative funding scenarios and a potential framework for evaluating investment options.

"The SRP recognizes that rail is a crucial component of Oregon’s multi-modal transportation system even though it is predominantly owned by private companies," commission officials said in a press release. "Public-private partnerships are essential to assure that Oregon’s residents and businesses continue to reap the benefits rail services provide."

The commission also plans to hold a public hearing tomorrow in Astoria to gather input on the SRP.