To the Editor:

This letter is to acknowledge, on behalf of Oregon’s 242 cities, the leadership and hard work displayed by Rep. Cliff Bentz that resulted in passage of a $5.3 billion, multimodal transportation package as the 2017 legislative session drew to a close. Despite a number of issues that could have once again derailed a transportation package, Rep. Bentz’s focus and caucus leadership were instrumental to a successful outcome.

Also, on behalf of Oregon’s small cities (less than 5,000 in population), I want to acknowledge Rep. Bentz for including a five-fold increase in the Special City Allotment funding as part of HB 2017. This supplemental grant program, now expanded to $5 million per year, will allow these cities to finally make significant improvements in a street system previously underfunded by the regular per capita-based state highway fund allocation.

Mike McCauley

Executive director

League of Oregon Cities