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Copyright 2009 - 2010 by the Pioneer Restoration Organization |
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November 10, 2008
Dear Chairman Inouye, Chairman Oberstar, Ranking Member Hutchison, and Ranking Member Mica:
The Baker County Chamber of Commerce is writing to support Section 207 of Senate Bill 294, which reauthorizes a one-time evaluation of the former Amtrak Pioneer Route, potentially linking Baker County with other parts of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah and Wyoming. With rising fuel prices, Baker County has taken a tremendous economic hit in several areas. US Timber closed this year, and several of our major employers have significantly reduced their work forces, creating unemployment that could reach crisis level. Second, the number of out-of-area visitors has declined over 2007, resulting in lower transient room tax and other tourist-driven revenue. Third, Baker County residents, who already pay a higher-than-average price per gallon for fuel, are paying even more for fuel, winter heat, goods and services. In short, income in Baker County is decreasing while the cost of survival is escalating. Since the Pioneer Route ceased operation in 1997, Baker County’s only transit alternative is Community Connection of Northeast Oregon, which provides shuttle and bus service throughout the county and the region, including to the region’s only VA Clinic. Unlike a decade ago, Baker County is now poised to move rail passengers to key destinations county-wide and throughout the Northeastern Oregon Region. Life in rural Oregon has always included travel to more populated areas. Residents travel to major metropolitan areas to seek major medical treatment, shopping options, educational opportunities, and access to airport hubs. These major hubs are located along the Pioneer Route. Route reinstatement would not only offer an affordable, energy efficient travel mode, it would also create new family-wage jobs while encouraging both nostalgia-seeking and budget-conscious visitors to come to our communities. Rail travel in Eastern Oregon is a widely-accepted, affordable, and a necessary to resolve Baker County’s economic crisis, as well as an important component of the nation’s transportation solution. Please support Section 207 of SB 294.
Respectfully,
Debi Bainter Executive Director Baker County Chamber of Commerce
CC: Senator Jeff Merkley Senator Ron Wyden Congressman Greg Walden Steve McClure, Union County Commissioner Colleen MacLeod, Union County Commissioner Nellie Bogue Hibbert, Union County Commissioner Debi Bainter Executive Director Baker County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau 490 Campbell Street Baker City, OR 97814 541-523-5855 debi@visitbaker.com |
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