RESOLUTION No. 36120 AS AMENDED

Endorse the recommended Portland/Vancouver I-5 Transportation and Trade Study Strategic Plan (Resolution)

WHEREAS,  I-5 is the only continuous Interstate on the West Coast; and

WHEREAS,  I-5, between Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington experiences some of the Portland region’s worst congestion, and

WHEREAS,  at the Columbia River, I-5 provides a key economic connection to two major ports, deep-water shipping, up-river barging, two transcontinental rail lines, and much of the Portland/Vancouver region’s industrial land; and

WHEREAS,  the transportation facilities in the I-5 corridor in the vicinity of the Columbia River provide important connections to and from national and international markets for businesses throughout Oregon; and

WHEREAS,  in the Portland/Vancouver area, I-5 provides one of two crossings of the Columbia River for cars, trucks and transit vehicles.

WHEREAS,  doing nothing in the I-5 corridor between Portland and Vancouver will result in unpredictable delays and congestion throughout Oregon; and

WHEREAS,  the Oregon and Washington Departments of Transportation jointly conducted a public planning process to develop a strategic plan for the I-5 Corridor between the I-84 interchange in Oregon and the I-205 interchange in Washington; and

WHEREAS,  the development of the I-5 Corridor Strategic Plan was guided by a Bi-state Task Force representing a wide range of interests; and

WHEREAS,  a thorough process of public outreach and involvement was conducted to seek public input in the development of the I-5 Corridor Strategic Plan; and

WHEREAS,  recommendations of the I-5 Transportation and Trade Partnership Task Force for an I-5 Corridor Strategic Plan have statewide significance; and

WHEREAS,  the Metro Council, JPACT, the Port of Portland, and Multnomah County have endorsed the I-5 Strategic Plan; and

WHEREAS,  I-5, Delta-Lombard Project was identified in the Regional Transportation Plan prior to the I-5 Task Force, has been incorporated into the I-5 Strategic Plan, and Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has started the environmental process for this project.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Portland endorses the recommendations of the Portland/Vancouver I-5 Transportation and Trade Partnership Task Force (Exhibit A) as adopted at their June 18, 2002 meeting and as summarized below:

•  Three through-lanes in each direction on I-5, including southbound through Delta Park

•  A phased light rail loop in Clark County in the vicinity of the I-5, SR 500/45h Plain and I-205 corridors

•  An additional span or a replacement bridge for the I-5 crossing of the Columbia River, with up to 2 additional lanes in each direction for merging and 2 light rail tracks

•  Interchange improvements and additional merging lanes where needed between SR500 in Vancouver and Columbia Boulevard in Portland. These include a full interchange at Columbia Boulevard

•  Capacity improvements for freight rail that will improve freight and intercity passenger rail services

•  Bi-state coordination of land use and management of our transportation system to reduce demand on the freeway and to protect the corridor investments

•  Involving communities along the corridor to ensure that the final project outcomes are equitable and committing to establish a fund for community enhancements

•  Develop additional transportation demand and system strategies to encourage more efficient use of the transportation system; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council commends Oregon and Washington Departments of Transportation for conducting an extensive bi-state community involvement effort and agency coordination effort to develop this I-5 Strategic Plan; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council request that the Oregon Department of Transportation continues the community involvement and agency coordination efforts established in the I-5 Trade Corridor with the I-5, Delta-Lombard Project, and request that ODOT work with the Portland Office of Transportation to coordinate the involvement of city businesses, residents and bureaus; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council supports the Bi-State Coordination Accord and request that ODOT provide adequate funding for local governments, including the development of interchange management plan; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council recognizes that the I-5 Strategic Plan represents a significant transportation investment and request that ODOT examine alternatives that would avoid adverse impacts to private property and to environmentally sensitive areas.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council recognizes that properties on Hayden Island could be impacted by the transportation investments identified in the I-5 Strategic Plan, and requests that ODOT and Tri-Met consider partnering with the City of Portland in a Hayden Island land use and circulation study to address land use, development, and circulation issues on Hayden Island as part of the environmental studies for the bridge influence area.

Adopted by the Council, JAN 29 2003      

Commissioner Jim Francesconi  GARY BLACKMER

Prepared by: Stephen Iwata/db  Auditor of the City of Portland  

January 29, 2003  By /s/Susan Parsons

I-5 Traffic & Trade Recommendations.

       Deputy

BACKING SHEET INFORMATION

AGENDA NO. 91-2003

ORDINANCE/RESOLUTION/COUNCIL DOCUMENT NO. 36120 AS AMENDED