This Week with State Senator Betsy Johnson, interviewed by Michael Desmond, is broadcast on 1600 AM KOHI Fridays from 4-5 pm; Fridays at 6 pm and Sundays at 9 am at www.tillamookcow.com;
Saturday morning at 9 am on 1590 AM KTIL; Sundays at 7:05 am on Q 949 FM and 8 am on KSWB AM 840 "Gold" in Seaside; Fridays at 8:30 pm on 90.9 FM KCPB.
Click This Week above for archived shows
Saturday morning at 9 am on 1590 AM KTIL; Sundays at 7:05 am on Q 949 FM and 8 am on KSWB AM 840 "Gold" in Seaside; Fridays at 8:30 pm on 90.9 FM KCPB.
Questions for Senator Johnson? E-mail her.
March 2012 Town Hall
Columbia River Maritime Museum
Astoria, OR
Columbia River Maritime Museum
Astoria, OR
The Legislative Fiscal Office releases highlights of the 2011-2013 budget, including actions taken by the 2012 Legislature. Read it here:
SALEM – Legislation that Senator Betsy Johnson helped negotiate to improve travel in Northwest Oregon received unanimous support in the Oregon Senate Feburary 29th, 2012. Senate Bill 1591 transfers management of several Oregon rest areas from the Department of Transportation to the Oregon Travel Information Council (OTIC). This transfer will help improve maintenance and quality at many rest areas, including a rest area ten miles south of Tillamook that was slated for closure this fall.
“For travelers and tourists, our rest areas say a lot about how we manage our state services” said Johnson (D-Scappoose). “Particularly on the well-traveled Highway 101, providing a safe, clean spot to accommodate visitors and business travelers is important for the overall image of our coastal communities and their attractiveness to the traveling public.”
This fall, the Oregon Department of Transportation suggested closure of the Tillamook Rest Area in response to budget tightening required by the agency. Along with rest areas in Government Camp and other parts of the state, these proposed closures created concerns for communities and frequent travelers. After the announcement of these closures, Johnson began working with Tillamook Commissioner Mark Labhart and other community leaders to find a local solution.
“With SB 1591, we have found an arrangement that allows us to continue operating the Tillamook rest area,” said Johnson. “The Travel Information Council has a proven record of improving quality of our rest areas.”
In 2009, the Legislature approved a pilot project giving the Oregon Travel Information Council oversight over several rest areas. This pilot program proved successful, with fewer crimes reported and improved customer satisfaction. SB 1591 brings the total number of rest areas operated by the OTIC to 16. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.
“For travelers and tourists, our rest areas say a lot about how we manage our state services” said Johnson (D-Scappoose). “Particularly on the well-traveled Highway 101, providing a safe, clean spot to accommodate visitors and business travelers is important for the overall image of our coastal communities and their attractiveness to the traveling public.”
This fall, the Oregon Department of Transportation suggested closure of the Tillamook Rest Area in response to budget tightening required by the agency. Along with rest areas in Government Camp and other parts of the state, these proposed closures created concerns for communities and frequent travelers. After the announcement of these closures, Johnson began working with Tillamook Commissioner Mark Labhart and other community leaders to find a local solution.
“With SB 1591, we have found an arrangement that allows us to continue operating the Tillamook rest area,” said Johnson. “The Travel Information Council has a proven record of improving quality of our rest areas.”
In 2009, the Legislature approved a pilot project giving the Oregon Travel Information Council oversight over several rest areas. This pilot program proved successful, with fewer crimes reported and improved customer satisfaction. SB 1591 brings the total number of rest areas operated by the OTIC to 16. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Johnson negotiates to protect and improve Tillamook rest area