Oregon Travel Information Council Newsletter

Transportation and Tourism Task Force Pushing Ahead with Projects
The Transportation/Tourism Task Force, formed by the Governor’s Executive Order last Fall, met in Salem July 19. This leadership group representing public and private organizations meets quarterly to collaborate on prioritized ventures and ways to maximize resources; TIC is the coordinating agency.

Mike Nelson, Chair and Transportation Commissioner, thanked members for their on-going work on several projects, and Chris Warner of the Governor’s Office commended the group’s progress on behalf of Governor Kulongoski.

Items discussed included:

Siskiyou Welcome Center: preview of facility plans based on a Cascadian design, overview of cost and timeline
Update on status of a Lane County Visitor Center near I-5
A partnership with the Oregon Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus (OACVB) to study and recommend consistent standards for visitor information services and signage
Scope of work for a Rest Area Strategic Plan
Creation of a “winter travel/motorist safety” piece
Review of rest area security programs in other states

The Task Force agreed to write letters of support for a re-designation of some existing Forest Service Roads to “Federal Forest Highways” which would allow federal funds for much-needed maintenance; and re-authorization for National Scenic Byways. A report on ODOT’s current plans for Rest Areas was also given.

The next meeting of the Task Force will be held on September 11 in Portland.

For more information about the Transportation and Tourism Task Force, please email Sharyl Parker, TIC Industry Development Manager, or call at (541) 549-4141.