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Washington, D.C. Trip

A delegation of Alliance members met with members of the Oregon and SW Washington Congressional Delegation and senior Obama administration officials in Washington, D.C. from May 11 to 13 to convey the Alliances federal legislative priorities. The priorities were guided by the Alliance's JOBS agenda, focusing on job creation, economic development and investments in critical infrastructure.

The Alliance's top priority is securing federal funding for the transit and highway portions of the Columbia River Crossing (CRC) project. The Alliance group also advocated for federal investments in a new Sellwood Bridge, funding for Oregon nano-science research and development, workforce development initiatives for Oregon manufacturers and funding for small business programs.

In addition to the Oregon House and Senate delegation, the Alliance group met with Jaime Herrera-Beutler from Southwest Washington, staff for Washington U.S. Senator Patty Murray and two high-ranking Obama Administration officials: Energy Secretary Steven Chu and Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez.

In the meeting with Secretary Chu, the delegation emphasized the need for administration support for alternative energy development such as wind, solar and wave energy projects. In particular they noted the need for federal support for fair and equitable access to transmission facilities and a cooperative relationship with the Bonneville Power Administration in balancing the energy generated by renewable sources.

The meeting with Administrator Mendez focused on the process for incorporating the CRC into the next reauthorization of the Surface Transportation Act.

The Alliance intends to continue advocacy work on the JOBS agenda at all governmental levels to encourage an economic environment in the Portland region that encourages job growth as well as increased incomes and wages for families.