HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-0419 Docs Submitted
CITY OF
ASHLAND
April 20, 20] I
Senator Rod Monroe, Co-Chair
Representative Betty Komp, Co-Chair
Representative Sherrie Sprenger, Co-Chair
Representative Michael Dembrow, Co-Vice Chair
Representative Bill Garrard, Co-Vice Chair
Senator Chris Edwards
Senator Fred Girod
Re: Senate Bill 242 Change to Oregon University System
Sent via electronic mail
Dear Members of the Joint Ways and Means Education Subcommittee:
I am writing on behalf of the City of Ashland in support of SB 242, which you heard in
your April 13 subcommittee meeting.
As you know, SB 242 was developed over the interim by a bi-partisan legislative work
group and incorporates the recommendations for governance change developed by the
State Board of Higher Education over the last year.
As supporters of Southern Oregon University, the City of Ashland strongly favors SB
242. The bill ensures that tuition dollars paid by students will stay with the universities.
It also ensures that interest generated by tuition dollars stays with the universities:
Changing the Oregon University System status from a state agency to a statewide public
university system will result in a more efficient use of resources. Moreover, the change
will provide Southern Oregon University and the other public universities with better
control over costs and revenues.
Importantly, SB 242 also established a system of accountability: universities will be
funded on the basis of performance contracts that will outline what will be accomplished
with state investments in higher education.
Thank you in advance for your support ofSB 242 and for your work on behalfofOregon.
Sincerely,
John Stromberg, Mayor
City of Ashland
TRAVEL
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April lS, 2011
Dear Mayor Stromberg and Ashland City Council Members:
On behalf of the Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, I am pleased to
convey our support of the proposed welcome center and rest area project you'll be
considering at the hearing scheduled for April 19. Travel Oregon is not only the
organization responsible for marketing the Oregon brand and strengthening the
economic impact of the state's $S.l billion dollar tourism industry, but we are also
the state agency with statutory authority and obligation to operate state welcome
centers. Sited at key travel entry points, state welcome centers are critical to the
tourism industry in Oregon and to the communities that make up this great state
and we urge your support of this Siskiyou Welcome Center and Rest Area at the
critically important Southern entrance to Oregon on Interstate S.
This historic project affords us the opportunity to create a signature Oregon facility
that reflects our rich and independent heritage, our culture of welcoming visitors
with genuine hospitality and our core values as stewards of the land we as
Oregonians are so intricately tied to. The first impression is critical to the visitor
experience and our hope is that the model we develop at the southern entrance to
our state will become an Oregon icon. We want individuals and families to realize,
even as they exit the roadway, that they've arrived somewhere unlike any other.
With the volume of travelers that come through this southernmost gateway to our
state, the value of telling them the Oregon story is enormous. A 200S national
study by the United States Travel Association study reports that 60% of United
States traveling adults utilizes the services of welcome centers and visitor
information centers. Therefore. even in the internet age welcome centers continue
to playa vitally important economic and hospitality role by delivering information
to visitors.
From an economic impact perspective, this project may matter most to local
businesses and local government. From our 2009 study of visitor spending in
relation to marketing and outreach, we know that every advertising dollar we spend
at the state level generated $201 in visitor spending that includes $S in state and
local taxes. As you can imagine, length of stay has a tremendous effect on visitor
spending. When we showcase local products and businesses along with statewide
points of interest, we can impact travel decisions and possibly increase the number
of nights visitors stay. When the tourism and hospitality industry thrive, available
jobs and labor hours needed to meet demand increases. In short, Oregon's
communities benefit from the resulting economic activity.
Oregon Tourism Commisssion, 670 Hawthorne SE, Ste 240, Salem, OR 97301, 503.378.8850, fax: 503.378.4574, www.traveloregon.com
OREGON. WE LOVE DREAMERS..
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We believe that the thorough review process underway will ultimately result in a
decision that is embraced to the benefit of Ashland, Southern Oregon and the
Oregon tourism industry. If you have any questions about the visitor indus.try or
the efforts of Travel Oregon to continue driving economic growth for our state,
please don't hesitate to contact me directly.
Sincerely,
..West
Chief Strategy Officer
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OREGON TOURISM
CREATING MEANINGFUL JOBS,
DRIVING ECONOMIC GROWTH
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"OUf Director of Housekeeping started as an hourly
employee at the front desk. Once her daughter was a little
older, she was able to focus on her career. She became an
administrative assistant in sales, then a supervisor. Now
she oversees 35 employees on her team."
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"Most summers, I employ ten kids who are in high
school or college. It's often their first job. My wife and I
work hard to instill a work ethic, and to teach these kids
to be on time and look professional. They leave us ready
to launch their careers."
Brad Niva
Owner, Rogue Wilderness Adventures
Merlin, Oregon
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Chris Erickson
General Manager, Heathman Hotel
Portland, Oregon
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"My career path started when I was 15 at my local Dairy Queen.
It taught me the core values that continue to influence my
career to this day-putting the customer fust, creative problem-
solving and a hearty work ethic. I am extremely fortunate to
continue earning my living in tourism doing work I love."
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Angie Morris
President & CEO, Travel Salem
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OREGON TOURISM & HOSPITALITY
Tourism Performs
Before the passage of the 2003 Oregon Tourism Investment Proposal,
Oregon's annual marketing budget ranked 47'h in the nation. Now
Oregon ranks 25'h, and can more effectively compete for visitor dollars.
In 2003 In 2010 Change
Direct Employment 85,700 jobs 88,000 +3%
Employee Earnings $1.7 billion $2.0 billion +18%
Visitor Spending $6.5 billion $8.1 billion +25%
Taxes (State/Local) $246 million $313 million +27%
$1 spent on state marketing
= $193 in visitor
spending"
Tourism and hospitality industry members in every region of the state collaborate on dozens
of strategic marketing programs each year funded by Oregon's Tourism Investment. These
efforts brought more than 21 million overnight visitors to Oregon in 200g-for an average
stay of four nights.
Visitor spending reached more than $8 billion in 2010
generating $2 billion in employee earnings. ----
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Support Tourism, Support Oregon
In 2003. Oregon faced one of its highest unemployment rates in history.
Eager to create new opportunities for Oregonians, the Oregon Tourism
Investment Proposal was created, enacted and signed into law. The
bill made tourism and hospitality a pillar of Oregon's economy by
reinvesting 1% of lodging revenue back into tourism development and
marketing. Visitors generate significant spending, lawmakers reasoned,
and businesses may look to relocate to Oregon after executives vacation
here. With proper support, they believed tourism could be a powerful
tool to bolster the state's flagging economy.
The investment is paying off:
$1 spent on state marketing
= $ 8 in state and local
tax revenue"
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Continued dedication to the state's tourism industry will keep this
powerful economic engine running strong.
*Advertising Accountability Study, Longwoods International, 2010
OREGON TOURISM & HOSPITALITY
Tourism Jobs Provide Vibrant Career Paths for
Good Jobs Now, Rewarding Careers Later
Tourism jobs provide a
training ground for Oregon's
future workforce, enabling
younger workers to demonstrate
a professional work ethic and to
build good work habits.
Tourism jobs provide
flexibility for seniors, parents,
students and other workers.
Tourism jobs are often
small business jobs
connected to the communities
they serve, all over the state.
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T~urism directly generates:some 88,000
jobs in Oregon~ana indir:ectly create~ nearly'
another 40,000 jobs in agricu'lture, constructi<;m,
manufa,ct~ring, transp,ortation and other sectors.
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Hospitality companies ranked No.1 and No.2 for compensation
and benefits on the 2011 List of Best Companies to Work for in
Oregon.* A worker for the No.1 rated nrm stated, "The culture
of fun, development, benefits, work environment, teamwork and
advancement allows the employees to really come to work each
day knowing they come hrst."
* Oregon Business Magazine list of private companies with
more than 100 employees
"The Southern Oregon Coast has been
transforming toward a tourism-based economy.
BandoD Dunes has helped, employing close
to 450 staff members and 250 independent
contractors (caddies). In most cases, the staff
member is the primary earner in the family."
Michael Carbiener
Assistant General Manager,
Director of Food and Beverage
Services, Bandon Dunes
Tourism Benents Rural Economies
Meaningful Employment &
Revenue for All of Oregon
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Tourism jobs are crucial for economic
growth, especially in rural counties:
. Tourism is one of the three largest
industries for employment in rural
counties
. Oregon's ten most tourism-dependent
counties are rural
Tourism provides the jobs
necessary to support rural
economies in transition.
In some rural areas, tourism jobs provide the
means to diversify local economies.
26,800 jobs
$3.294 billion
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3,800 jobs
$260.1 million
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6,900 jobs
$515.7 million
9,800 jobs
$727.5 million
OREGON TOURISM & HOSPITALITY
Oregonians Value Tourism
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"Touf.ism is. a job creator on its own, but it's also
es~entiallY'the front door to the rest of the economy."
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Duncan 'Wyse
President, Oregon Business Council
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Tourism Boosts Oregon Business
Travel Oregon is one of the most visible manifestations-nationally
and internationally-of the Oregon brand. The positive associations
of Oregon established by the brand benefit businesses and agencies
beyond hospitality, including:
High Tech, Manufacturing & Other Industries-Vacationing
executives consider relocating businesses to Oregon for its outdoor
lifestyle and the overall quality of life that the Oregon brand espouses.
Agriculture-Oregon's thriving culinary and agri-tourism industry
boosts the profile of Oregon seafood, produce, wine, beer and spirits,
stimulating national and international sales.
State Parks/Marine Board/Fish & Wildlife- More visitors are drawn
to take advantage of Oregon's great natural resources, populating more
campsites and buying more boating, fishing and hunting tags.
Tourism is vital to our state's economy. It provides jobs, fuels small
business development and generates revenue in every corner of the
state. The tourism and hospitality industry is Oregon's largest traded
sector ernployer and a leading contributor to our gross state product.
With Travel Oregon investing collaboratively and strategically with
businesses and organizations across the state, the Oregon brand will
continue to contribute to the state's economic well-being for many
years to come.
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Travel Oregon
Oregon Tourism Commission
670 Hawthorne Avenue SE, Suite 240
Salem, Oregon 97301-1282 . 503-378-8850 . 503-378-4574 fax
info@traveloregon.com . TravelOregon.com . TraveIOregon.com/lndustry
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SOUTHERN
ORE CON
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April 19, 2011
Mayor John Stromberg
Ashland City Council
1175 East Main
Ashland, OR 97520
Re: Siskiyou Welcome Center
Dear Mayor and Councilors:
I am writing today on behalf of the Southern Oregon Visitors Association to express our support
for the Siskiyou Safety Rest Area & Welcome Center.
It has been more than 14 years since there has been a permanent rest area and welcome center
located with easy on/off access along 1-5 just north of the border. The Siskiyou Safety Rest Area
& Welcome Center will increase visitor awareness of local attractions, products and services.
California is clearly one of Southern Oregon's primary markets. With over 85% of visitors coming
to the state via automobile, it is a missed opportunity. In addition to encouraging more visitors
to stay in our state, it would also provide a safe place to rest adequately, assist travelers with
plans and roads conditions, it would provide well-lit-clean sanitary restrooms.
Tourism and the hospitality industry playa significant role in the Southern Oregon economy. In
2010, visitor spending in Region 5 was $727.5 million; 9,800 people are employed in the industry.
Statewide, visitor spending reached more than $8 billion in 2010, generating $2 billion in
employee earnings.
Please join the Southern Oregon Visitors Association and industry partners throughout the
region in supporting the Siskiyou Safety Rest Area & Welcome Center.
Sincerely,
~ll
Carolyn S. Hill, CEO
Southern Oregon Visitors Association (50VA) PO Box 1645jMedford, OR 97501
www.southernore2on.or2 office(a)southernoree:on.Orll
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April 19, 2011
TO: ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: KERR IE WALTERS, PRESIDENT, OREGON DESTINATION MARKETING
ORGANIZATIONS
RE: SISKIYOU SAFETY REST AREA & WELCOME CENTER
On behalf of the Oregon Destination Marketing Organizations, a statewide association of convention and visitor
bureaus, we urge you to support the construction of the Siskiyou Safety Rest Area & Welcome Center on the
east side of 1-5, south of Ashland.
It has been 14 years since the rest area further up the pass was closed. There is a long history about why and
how this came about, but the need for providing travelers a safe place to regroup after entering Oregon from
California has not diminished. The current plan of separating truck traffic from passenger motor vehicles
mitigates many of the concerns with previous proposals and provides necessary facilities and amenities to the
traveling public in addition to providing adequate facilities for the trucking industry.
Studies have shown that more than 85% of travelers come to Southern Oregon by automobile and half of
those need assistance with plans and road conditions once they arrive. If the assistance is provided, the
investment in operations generates significant revenue back to our local and state general funds. In addition,
the tourism industry in our state is showing great leadership by bringing many state agencies together for the
first time to streamline the process of tourism, economic development, public safety and multi modal forms of
transportation for mutual benefit through our Governor's appointed Tourism Transportation Task Force. This
group has identified the construction of the Siskiyou Welcome Center as its top priority.
Southern Oregon is dealing with some very real funding issues via the reduction of 0 & C federal timber
replacement funds to many communities. With three million vehicles traveling north on 1-5 from California to
Oregon, an operational, permanent welcome center on the highly trafficked 1-5 gateway to the state by visitors
traveling by automobile would help generate additional funds for the region and the state. When the Southern
Oregon 1-5 welcome center was operating, 40% of travelers stayed longer and spent, on average, $125 more
per travel party as a result. In 2010, travelers generated $727.5 million in direct travel spending and the
industry employed 9,800 people in Southern Oregon (Region 5). Statewide, tourism and hospitality is one of
the most significant contributors to Oregon's economy generating $8.1 billion in direct travel spending in 2010,
and employing 88,000.
The proposed welcome center will benefit every Southern Oregon community and Oregon as a whole. It is our
sincere hope that you will support this effort. Thank you for your consideration.
Oregon Destination Marketing Organizations (ODMO) www.oacvb.com
673 Market Street. Medford, OR 97504
April 19, 2011
Mayor John Stromberg
Ashland City Councilors
Ashland City Hall
Ashland, Oregon
Subject:
Importance oftourist becoming new businesses
I understand that the City of Ashland will be considering a request for the approval of
extensions for water and sewer at the proposed Siskiyou Rest Area and Visitor Welcome
Center at your City Council meeting tonight from Oregon Department of Transportation. The
development of the Welcome Center and the Siskiyou Rest Area is an important step to
continuing our region's linkage between tourist and visitors enjoying our amenities and new
businesses which create new jobs for our regional economy.
SOREDI has assisted numerous visitors who evaluate and ultimately determine that our
Southern Oregon communities present the perfect place for a new business to grow. Through
linkage of visitors to new businesses we have diversified and strengthened our economy. The
Welcome Center would serve as our region and State's "open front door" for sharing the
tourism potential; as well as the competitive business climate available with prospective new
business owners. Please approve the extension of the infrastructure systems and permit the
Welcome Center and Rest Area to serve the future visitors of Southern Oregon.
Underwritel"S
Asame Health System
AvistaCorp.
Bank of the Cascades
Boise Cascade, LLC
Burrill Real Estate, LLC
City of Ashland
City of Central Point
City of Grants Pass
City of Medford
CenturyLink
Evergreen Federal Bank
First American Title Company
Jackson/Josephine Division
Harry & David Operation Corp.
Hunter Communication
Jackson County
Josephine County
Knife River Materials
KOGAP Enterprises, Inc.
Mail Tribune
Medford Fabrication
Moss Adams, LLP
Motorcycle USA
PacifiCorp
PremierWest Bank
Recognition Specialties
Rogue Community College
Rogue Federal Credit Union
Rogue Valley Sewer Service
Rogue Waste Systems, LLC
S&B James Construction Management
Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, P.c.
Southern Oregon Sanitation
Southern Oregon University
South Valley Bank & Trust
Sterling Savings Bank
The Job Council
The Wright Group Consultants
with D.A. Davidson & Co.
Umpqua Bank
US Bank.
Southern Oregon Regional Economic Development, Inc.. www.soredi.org.TollFree(800) 805-8740. Local (541) 773-8946. Fax (541) 779.0953
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April 18, 2011
Ashland City Council
20 East Main Street
Ashland, OR 97520
Dear Mayor Stromberg and Members of the City Council:
On behalf of The Chamber of Medford/ Jackson County we urge you to support the
construction of the Siskiyou Welcome Center on the east side of 1-5, south of Ashland.
Southern Oregon and Jackson County are dealing with some very real funding issues. With
three million vehicles traveling north annually on 1-5 from California to Oregon, an operational,
permanent welcome center on this highly trafficked gateway to the state would help generate
additional funds for the region and the state.
In 2009, travelers generated $328.3 million in direct travel spending and the industry employed
4,040 people in Jackson County. Statewide, tourism and hospitality is one of the most
significant contributors to Oregon's economy generating $8.1 billion in direct travel and
employed 88,000 people in 2010.
It has been 14 years since the rest area further up the pass was closed. There is a long history
about why and how this came about, but the need for providing travelers a safe place to
regroup after entering Oregon from California has not diminished.
The proposed welcome center will benefit every Southern Oregon community. It is our hope
you will support this effort. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
ev~~ /h?L
Brad Hicks, President & CEO
101 East 8th Street. Medford, Oregon 97501-7201 . Tel. (541) 779-4847 . Fax (541) 776-4808
business@medfordchamber.com . http://www.medfordchamber.com
.EDF@RD
THE CENTER OF THE ROGUE VALLEY
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VISITORS AND CONVENTION BUREAU
April 18,201 I
Ashland City Council
20 East Main Street
Ashland, OR 97520
Dear Mayor Stromberg and Members of the City Council:
On behalf of the Medford Visitors and Convention Bureau I am writing to express
our support of the construCtion of the Siskiyou Welcome Center and Rest Area.
Tourism is one of the largest industries in Jackson County. In 2009 visitors brought
into our local economy nearly $328.3 million in direct spending. The California
traveler has been and continues to be the single largest population of visitor to
southern Oregon. Reports from ODOT estimate more than 3 million vehicles
, travel northbound on 1-5 from California to Southern Oregon each year.
I A Welcome Center located northbound on 1-5 as visitors are entering our
community would create a significant opportunity to boost the local economy
and visitor awareness to the attraCtions, accommodations, dining opportunities
and area events that Jackson County offers.
The tourism industry is clearly an extremely important part of what makes
southern Oregon such a vibrant and economically progressive community as it
continues to grow to be a prime vacation destination. The proposed Welcome
Center will benefit every southern Oregon community. It is our hope you will
support this effort.
Sincerely
~.
Anne Jenkins
Sr. Vice President
101 East 8th Street, Medford, OR 97501 541077904847 FAX 541077604808 10800046906307 www.visitmedford.or9
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Siskiyou Safety Rest Area and Welcome Center
Frequently Asked Questions
April 12, 2011
. Why is such afacility essential when there are commercial outlets at
the south Ashland exit 14?
Although gas stations and
mini marts can serve traveler
needs for gasoline or snacks,
and provide restrooms for
persons purchasing those
services, rest areas and
welcome centers provide
other essentials.
Rest areas provide parking
areas at a much greater scale and are conducive for resting, giving children a
break, or walking the dog. A rest area can provide the opportunity to relieve
tension, anxiety, and/or fatigue associated with crossing the Siskiyou Pass.
The welcome center will provide a variety of travel information which
contributes significantly to the spending of tourism dollars within the area.
. How would the proposed Siskiyou Sqfety Rest Area and Welcome
Center benefit tourists and travelers?
Driving over the Siskiyou Pass in bad weather conditions is a hazard to
drivers, their passengers and others using the interstate. The road is steep
and circuitous and can be snowy or icy with poor visibility. Driving it takes
extra time and can easily cause stress and fatigue. The proposed Siskiyou
Rest Area is a safety feature that would provide benefits to travelers driving
down from the pass. It will also provide a refuge for motorists to remove
chains in lieu of using the shoulder as they do currently.
A welcome center at the I -5 Siskiyou Safety Rest Area will foster the
continued growth and success of the tourism industry in Jackson County and
southern Oregon. According to the Medford Visitors and Convention Bureau,
in 2005 visitors brought nearly $340 million into Medford's economy, and
the California traveler comprised the single largest population of visitor.
According to the Oregon Association of Convention and Visitors Bureau, for
every dollar spent operating a welcome center, $41 is generated in new visitor
spending.
Although some travelers use electronic devices to plan ahead, there are plenty
of tourists who do not use personally-owned electronic devices. These
tourists make spur of the moment decisions. The Ashland Springs Hotel gets
5-8 walk-ins per day from the existing Welcome Center near Exit 19, and with
the new Welcome Center, it would be more. One-third of the Oregon
Shakespeare Festival's new patrons are travelers who happened to be passing
through the Rogue Valley.
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Page 2- Siskiyou Safety Rest Area and We/come Center
Welcome Centers contribute significantly to the spending of tourism dollars
in an area.
. 2005 New York City study finds that 95% of visitors to New York City
welcome centers followed the suggestions of the "Big Apple Greeters" with
91% visiting areas they would not have visited without suggestions
. 2006 Maryland report finds that the Baltimore visitor's center generated
an estimated $3.5 million more for the region over a 12-month period
than people originally planned to spend
. 2006-07 Annual Report from South Carolina found that welcome centers
made direct room reservations totaling over $2.6 million.
. 2003 Washington State report shows that the first three months following
the opening of the Yakima Valley Visitor Center, the Yakima Valley
Visitors and Convention Bureau experienced a 30 ,percent jump in
. inquiries about wine tourism
. How successful has the interim Welcome Center been in attracting
tourists?
Before the former Siskiyou Rest Area was decommissioned in 1995, more
than 78,000 people visited the Welcome Center there annually. But in 2008,
the current Ashland Welcome Center experienced just 11,229 visitors. The
difference is 65,000 visitors a year, which is a substantial lost opportunity to
attract more visitors to Jackson County. It also signifies a substantial amount
of lost dollars.
. Will the proposed Siskiyou Safety Rest Area and Welcome Center
cause more noise?
Consultant Parsons Brinckerhoff prepared a noise study in June 2008 that
concluded noise levels continue to rise in the vicinity of Crowson Road as a
result of growing traffic volumes on I -5. Construction of the Safety Rest Area
and Welcome Center does not result in a perceptible change in noise levels.
Therefore, the criteria warranting a sound wall has not been met.
In response to public concern regarding perceived noise from semi-trucks
using the rest area, they have been prohibited and new restroom facilities
have been provided at the Port of Entry.
. How will the proposed Safety RestArea and Welcome Center
compliment the surrounding area?
The proposed structures for the Siskiyou Rest Area and Welcome Center have
been designed with a "Cascadian" style to reflect the architecture found in
some of the lodges of the Northwest. The buildings will be buffered with
landscaping using drought-tolerant native vegetation to complement the
natural environment and enhance the overall appearance of the area.
The facility will have exterior lighting of a type that is shrouded so as to direct
light downward and eliminate or minimize the transmission of direct light off
the subject property, in a manner that is consistent with LEED (Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design) Dark Sky standard. The facility will be a
showcase of sustainability which fits the niche Ashland has laid out for itself.
Page 3- Siskiyou Safety Rest Area and We/come Center
. Will the Siskiyou Safety Rest Area and Welcome Center practice
water conservation?
ODOT understands that water is a valuable resource. It is also understood
that water needs to be applied to the right use. The amount of potable water
needed for the Rest Area and Welcome Center is approximately 1,400 gallons
per day which is equivalent to the amount used by four homes. Toilet facilities
will utilize low use water features. 'Gray water' will also be reclaimed and
used for irrigation purposes. ODOT is in negotiation for irrigation water that
will establish and maintain landscaping at the site as well as assist with
irrigating the new Exit 14 gateway into Ashland.
. Have thefacilities been given land use approvals?
Jackson County has approved Exceptions to Statewide Planning Goals 3, 11
and 14, to permit the Siskiyou Safety Rest Area and Welcome Center to be
located on Exclusive Farm Use land and to connect to an existing sewer line.
Approval of these goal exceptions was affirmed by both the Land Use Board of
Appeals (LUBA) and by the Oregon Court of Appeals. In May, the County will
consider ODOT's request for a Goal 11 Exception to allow urban water
services to be connected to the rest area and welcome center.
. Will the Siskiyou Safety Rest Area and Welcome Center include
securityfeatures?
Although statistics show that actual incidents of criminal activity at rest areas
and surrounding areas are low, the Siskiyou Rest Area and Welcome Center is
being designed with security features in mind. ODOT's "inward" design for
the facility provides parking both east and west of the Siskiyou Rest Area and
Welcome Center. The design allows law enforcement officials to quickly view
the area around the building without having to leave their vehicles to patrol
on foot.
The presence of Welcome Center staff and an OSP worksite, and design
features such as lighting, open landscaping, and security cameras will all
deter criminal activity. In addition, the perimeter of the Rest Area property
will be fenced with a six-foot high chain link fence. A service road from
Crowson Road to the property for authorized personnel will also be gated.
. Will the Siskiyou Safety Rest Area and Welcome Center be
constructed with safetyfeatures
ODOT has designed the Rest Area re-entry ramp to be substantially longer
than required by the Oregon Highway Design ManuaL According to the
manual, 750 feet is the desired acceleration length for an entrance ramp, to
allow additional decision time for vehicles to pick gaps. For the Siskiyou Rest
Area, ODOT has designed a ramp that is approximately 1,700 feet long, which
is more than double the desirable standard and nearly four times the length
of the re-entry ramp at the former Siskiyou Rest Area at mile post 10.
Page 4- Siskiyou Safety Rest Area and We/come Center
. Is ODOT and Travel Oregon committed to building bothfacilities?
Yes! The estimated cost of project construction is $7.5 million. Most ofthe
money is already in the bank since the facility has a dedicated funding source
and is a priority for both the agency and the Federal Highway Administration.
The estimated cost of the Welcome Center is $2.5 million. Once the proposal
receives Jackson County's approval of a Goal 11 Exception for water services,
these funds can be secured. Although gas tax dollars cannot fund the
Welcome Center, Travel Oregon and ODOT are committed to securing the
funds for the Welcome Center. Scott West, Chief Strategy Officer with Travel
Oregon, is aware of available grants, loans, and other funding sources and will
pursue funding upon final County approval.
###
April 19,201 I
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Council Members and Mayor Stromberg,
My name's Jerry Stein and I live at 806 Cypress Point Loop.
I want to make a few comments about fire safety, and how it relates to the proposed Rest Area. 1 live in Oak
Knoll Meadows and our home was about 15 houses away from those that were destroyed.
When people talk about the "Oak Knoll Fire" they may think that if we had our fire prevention act more
together, maybe we wouldn't have had this problem. 1 think we might be wise to re-examine the possibilities.
Consider that the embers are known to have traveled 1400 feet through the air. Had the wind been blowing in
another direction, we might now be discussing the "Tolman Creek Fire" or the "Mountain Ranch Fire." The
2009 fire might be known as the "Park Street Fire," the "Upper Morton Fire," or the "Ashland Watershed Fire."
The way fire can hop scotch, the "Clay Street Fire" might touch off the "B Street Fire."
The increased threat of fire from the proposed Rest Area is NOT a local, not-in-my-backyard-issue, Travelers
k. . hi d Ar tv",,-,^pieO/\+ I' I f fi b
smo mg m t s propose Rest ea, or bS campers osmg contro 0 a camp Ire em er, or a fiery car
crash resulting from travelers trying to match speed as they re-enter the traffic flow of faster moving vehicles on
the 1-5 downgrade, all could initiated a fire, Then it's up to the wind. Any neighborhood throughout Ashland
could be affected.
The question is, do we need to accept this increased risk of fire AND have it paired with less water available to
fight such fire so tourists can flush their Rest Area toilets and wash their hands. Why not have them literallv
drive one more minute. get off at Exit 14, and take a safe break before resuming their trip. Likely Ashland's
economy might even get a needed boost.
1 submit that this proposed Rest Area is an unneeded risk to all of Ashland, and 1 hope you Councilors will vote
against extending water and sewer to this project.
We have enough risk. Let's not add to it.
Thank you for your attention in this matter.
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Omar's Fresh Fish and Steaks
1380 Siskiyou Blvd.
Ashland, Oregon 97520
April 19,2011
Ashland City Council
Council Chambers
1175 E. Main
Ashland, Oregon 97520
Re: Siskiyou Welcome Center
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:
I am writing on behalf ofOmar's Fresh Fish and Steaks restaurant to express our support of the
proposed Siskiyou Welcome Center and Rest Area. Tourism and the hospitality industry playa
significant role in the Jackson County economy. It is clear that the Siskiyou Welcome Center will
increase visitor awareness oflocal products, services, the Shakespeare Theatre, other off
Bardway plays, local artists, and attractions such as Omar's Restaurant, (Ashland and Jackson
County's oldest continuous restaurant). California is clearly one of Southern Oregon's primary
markets. With over 85% of visitors coming to the state via automobile, it would be a missed
opportunity at best.
In addition to encouraging more visitors to stay in our state, it would also provide a safe place to
rest, acquire road information and use well-lit-clean restrooms. With the expected increase in
freight traffic to our area over the next twenty years, and the plan to expand the Port of Entry,
developing the rest area/welcome center facility for automobiles and recreational vehicles only, is
an idea whose time has definitely come.
The primary reasons for this letter in support of the Siskiyou Welcome Center proposal are three
fold: Safety, information and economic opportunity. With the loss of timber monies and the
down turn in the economy, this is a perfect stimulant for our local economy. Please join us in
supporting this project. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
~,"~
Owner,
Omar's Fresh Fish and Steaks