Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, R-Camas, voted in support of the U.S. House of Representatives’ transportation bill. The bill could stop investments for important local programs that help improve safety for kids who walk and bike to school, as well as locally driven projects that enhance livability and safety for all residents.
I am concerned that this legislation reverses past gains and paves the way for state- and federally driven highway projects focused solely on automobile traffic. Such projects lead to miles of sprawl, costing more in gas and community health problems.
Herrera Beutler needs to know that her constituents want transportation improvements that include opportunities for active transportation and make our communities safer, healthier and more livable. Examples such as the 2010 Bicycle Master Plan and the success of Proposition 1 in protecting transit funding make it clear that livability is a local priority.
Residents of Clark County expect safe, healthy streets and livable communities supporting active transportation options. This is a priority for employers, families and our aging population. I invite Herrera Beutler to see how these local priorities are important to her constituents.
