Smith Bringing Transportation Hearing to Hermiston

Oregon State Rep. Greg Smith (R-Heppner) and the Joint Committee on Transportation Preservation and Modernization will hold public hearings in Hermiston today.

The committee is scheduled to hold a public hearing today at 2 p.m. in the Hermiston High School Auditorium. All are invited to attend.

The Joint Committee on Transportation Preservation and Modernization was announced last month and tasked to develop a significant comprehensive and strategic transportation package for the Legislature to consider during the 2017 Legislative Session. Smith, a member of the committee, worked with House leadership to determine locations for public hearings outside of Salem. The hearings will allow local officials and the public to testify on various transportation projects and policies they believe should be included in the anticipated transportation package.

The committee will also tour local transportation hubs and projects, and visit with regional Oregon Department of Transportation officials and members of various Area Commissions on Transportation. After their hearing in Hermiston, the committee will visit the Port of Morrow to gain a first-hand understanding of transportation needs in the area and how targeted investments might strengthen economic growth for the region and state.

“I want to thank House leadership for allowing the committee to travel to Eastern Oregon and hear from our local communities, counties, and ports,” said Smith. “Our region relies on the transportation system to connect communities and export our commodities. I believe having the committee travel outside of Salem is the right decision. This will help develop a more robust and comprehensive package that will benefit all of Oregon.”