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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW California woman charged with assault, DUII after crash near Ashland injures children ... Firefighting near Crater Lake closes park's north entrance ... Barbershop-style singers help local schools ... California woman charged with assault, DUII after crash near Ashland injures children ... Firefighting near Crater Lake closes park's north entrance ... Barbershop-style singers help local schools ... CHAMBER FORUM Gov. Brown touts need for transportation funding in talk to Medford chamber Comment By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 13, 2015 at 5:42 PM By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 13, 2015 at 5:42 PM » Social News Gov. Kate Brown asked Southern Oregon business leaders to back her efforts to secure a state transportation package during the current legislative session. "Now is the time for the Legislature to step up and make a much needed transportation investment," Brown told a Chamber of Medford/Jackson County Forum audience today at the Rogue Valley Country Club. That investment is in doubt, as Republican legislators have balked at talk of increased gas taxes on the heels of passage of a clean fuels bill that they say will also increase the cost of gasoline. "Passing a transportation package is amongst my highest priorities," said Brown, a Democrat. "It will not be easy, but we cannot shy away from this important work. This is critically important for Oregon's future." She said it is important the economy recovers and thrives statewide, with education, workforce skills development, infrastructure and transportation all part of that goal. "My priority is to assure that the recovery is realized in every corner of the state," Brown said.  During a question-and-answer period, Brown suggested fuel taxes could pay for some of the projects. "It might require a few pennies on a gasoline tax and some other revenue raisers," the governor said. "This community has gone above and beyond in working in a bipartisan effort to support a transportation package. I hope I can get your support moving forward." A safe and efficient transportation system moves goods to market, gets workers to their jobs and creates a desirable quality of life that attracts innovative people to the state, she said. "We must also be mindful of how Oregonians choose to get around," Brown said. "Whether we walk to school, drive to work, catch the train for a family visit, or bike to the gym, the system we travel on needs to get us there safely." The governor alluded to regional problem-solving efforts paving the way for Combined Transport's relocation closer to the freeway through a Connect Oregon grant, significantly reducing operating costs, emissions and traffic congestion. She pointed out how the federal resources were leveraged into the revitalization of the Siskiyou Rail Line, reducing shipping costs and emissions. "The resources needed to expand, operate, preserve and make much-needed improvements are non-existent, despite the fact there are significant issues that must be resolved," Brown said.  Transportation system failings hinder local firms, she said. One example is Pacific Crest Transformers, which employs 140 people in White City. "To truck products east, they must use alternative routes because of restrictions on Oregon 140, east of Klamath Falls," Brown said. "They also absorb the extra shipping cost in order to be competitive." Likewise, Harry & David has run into freight delays when it dispatches as many as 180 trucks each day to Portland during its holiday rush, many of which are bound for Portland International Airport. "There are times, however, when they've diverted shipments to the Port of Oakland, due to severe congestion and delays," the governor said. Amy's Kitchen has attempted to ship its frozen organic products north on box cars, but needs improved rail and trucking access to Portland. "Their wish list for transportation includes an upgraded intermodal (trucking and rail) facility, continuing to build more trucking climbing lanes, and expanding Rogue Valley Transportation District to their facility," Brown said. Reach reporter Greg Stiles at 541-776-4463 or [email protected] . Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GregMTBusiness , on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/greg.stiles.31 , and read his blog at www.mailtribune.com/ Economic Edge .   By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 13, 2015 at 5:42 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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