Hire More Heroes Act of 2015

Floor Speech

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Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of my amendment to add the Newberg Dundee Bypass Route as a High Priority Corridor and I would like to thank the Chairman and Ranking Member for working with me to bring it forward. Let me be clear--there is no cost to this amendment--it merely raises the prominence and importance of the bypass. The construction of the bypass is underway and has great potential to ease congestion, promote freight mobility, and provide important multi-modal connections for residents and visitors in the broader Yamhill County region. The success of Oregon's wine and agricultural industries has increased freight traffic in the region. The bypass seeks to address the difficulties associated with transportation of goods and services and enhance the recovery of Yamhill County's economically distressed communities. The development of this corridor has wide support in the region, including from the state, local and tribal governments, and surrounding communities. I include a letter from Oregon's Department of Transportation in support of this amendment for the Record.

Further, this project is of significant importance because of its location in the Cascadia Subduction Zone. We know that the question is not if, but when, an earthquake and tsunami will hit. Preparing our region is a priority for Oregonians and will save countless lives and federal funds. This road serves as an evacuation route for the central coast and is being built to withstand a 9.0 earthquake. I thank Chairman Shuster and Ranking Member DeFazio for their support of my amendment.

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