United Front Delegation Returns from Washington D.C.

Interjurisdictional Team Joins Forces to Lobby for Local Priorities

Elected officials and staff from several local governments teamed up for a visit to Washington D.C. to advocate with Oregon’s congressional representatives for a number of important funding priorities.  The Cities of Eugene and Springfield, Lane County, and Lane Transit District (LTD) for several years have worked together to set mutual annual goals for federal funding and action and to combine efforts, traveling together to lobby for those issues. The United Front is regarded by Oregon’s senators and representatives as a smart way for local jurisdictions to cooperate and an efficient way to gain time and attention from the congressional delegation. 

Due to weather conditions which complicated travel, Springfield Mayor Sid Leiken was unable to make it to Washington D.C. in time, highlighting one of the significant advantages of the collaborative effort.  Mayor Kitty Piercy was able to lead meetings with the congressional delegation and to represent Springfield’s positions and issues as well as Eugene’s.

This year a major emphasis was put on reauthorization of the Secure Rural Schools Act and the potential severe impact to cities as well as Lane County if it is not continued.  The group also addressed the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization, requesting full funding for the Airport Improvement Program, and emphasized awareness of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials in Eugene and associated challenges.

Other City of Eugene high-priority projects addressed included:

• Funding for a corridor study of West 11th Ave from Willamette St. to Greenhill Rd.
• Funding to construct an extension of the West Bank Trail to fill the gap in the city’s river trail system.
• Partial funding for the construction of Phase I Field Science Laboratory and associated classrooms for the West Eugene Wetlands Education Center.
• Continued support for construction funds for Delta Ponds projects.
  Funds from the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Forest Legacy Program to purchase 25 acres of oak savanna and oak woodlands in the southwest hills of Eugene.
• Reauthorization of the Water Resources Development Act for studies and ecosystem restoration in the upper Willamette River Watershed Ecosystem Restoration Project.
  
  
  “The United Front trip is a prime example of how our local governments are working together to make a more livable and sustainable community.  I expect favorable results from our efforts toward the United Front agenda,” said Mayor Piercy.

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