News Release from City of Salem

CITY OF SALEM AND OREGON DEPARTMENT OF LAND CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT JOINT STATEMENT

News Release from City of Salem
Posted on FlashAlert: January 27th, 2017 8:32 AM

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, January 27, 2017

The City of Salem and the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) are pleased to announce that we have reached an understanding on the expansion to Salem's Urban Growth Boundary and amendment to the Transportation System Plan. This understanding will support our mutual goals to provide transportation choices for people traveling to, through, and within Salem. A well-designed transportation network is vital for a healthy and vibrant community and provides street connectivity and transportation options to serve the needs of our City and region. This agreement will allow us to cooperatively pursue these goals.

The agreement is a result of dialog between the City and DLCD following the City's decision in December approving an expansion of Salem's Urban Growth Boundary and amendment to the Transportation System Plan, which allows the City to continue the planning process for a new bridge across the Willamette River. Once constructed, the crossing will provide another choice for people coming from or bound for west Salem, Polk County, and the coast.

In late December, DLCD filed a notice of intent to appeal the City's decision. As a result, the City and DLCD came together to create greater understanding of the issues and identify areas of agreement. These meetings were facilitated by the Governor's Office Mid-Valley Regional Solutions program, and included the Oregon Department of Transportation.

The City and DLCD agreed on a path forward and to work cooperatively on the issues of transportation choices raised in the appeal. As a result of this understanding, DLCD is withdrawing their appeal of the City's decision.

We are committed to working together to further refine Salem's progress in advancing transportation options in Salem and the region.

Contact Info:
Kenny Larson, Communications and Community Engagement Manager
City of Salem -- City Manager's Office
503-588-6363 | kenny.larson@cityofsalem.net

Matt Crall, Planning Services Division Manager
Oregon Dept. of Land Conservation and Development
503-934-0046 | matthew.crall@state.or.us