Mayor Becker to Testify Before Senate Committee
U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works requests Mayor’s expertise

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH –Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker will testify before the United States Senate Environment and Public Works Committee tomorrow, July 14. Mayor Becker was invited to testify before the Committee by Chairman Barbara Boxer and Ranking Member James Inhofe.

The hearing, which focuses on “Transportation’s Role in Climate Change and Reducing Greenhouse Gases,” will begin at 2:30 P.M. EST in the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, DC. The hearing is being held to examine opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector and to discuss related benefits.

Mayor Becker will discuss his approach to reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in the Salt Lake Valley not only from his perspective as Mayor, but also as the founder and partner of the environmental planning and policy development firm Bear West. During his time at the firm, he frequently consulted with local government, community groups and stakeholders throughout Utah and the Rocky Mountain West to formulate sustainable land management and development policies.

“A comprehensive effort to reduce global warming pollution must encompass transportation demand management strategies, balanced funding approaches to transportation infrastructure investment and a commitment to mass transit options, development of alternative forms of transportation, and changes in our habits to reduce vehicle miles traveled,” stated Becker. “Incentives for systemic change must begin at the federal level.”

You can watch the Mayors testimony live via webcast from the Committee’s website at http://epw.senate.gov/public/?CFID=4689550&CFTOKEN=89174150 beginning at 2:30 P.M. EST, Tuesday, July 14, 2009.

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Thank you again for your interest in the site selection of the proposed Public Safety Complex for Salt Lake City. Last week, I announced that Library Square is no longer an option as a location for a new Public Safety Building and Emergency Operations Center. As part of our ongoing commitment to make Salt Lake City one of the most open and transparent governments in Utah, the Mayor’s Office, in collaboration with the Salt Lake City Council, will be continuing opportunities for the public to offer input on the proposed locations for a new Public Safety Complex. I have sought continued input from a number of experts in urban design, and I am confident that our objectives and values for site selection fully align with the public input we have received.

During the month of June, the Mayor’s Office will hold a series of Open Houses to give you an opportunity to review and comment on proposed site locations and learn about the criteria and steps used in the selection process. I encourage you to attend an Open House or send us your input.

Schedule for Public Meetings and Open Houses:

Thursday, June 11 – Thursday, June 18, 2009 (weekdays)
4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Public Safety Complex Open House
City & County Building, First Floor Gallery
451 South State Street, SLC

Tuesday, June 16, 2009
7:00 p.m.
City Council Public Hearing
Salt Lake City & County Building, City Council Chambers
451 South State Street, SLC

Monday, June 22, 2009
4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Public Safety Complex Open House
Sweet Library
455 F Street (9th Avenue), SLC

Tuesday, June 23, 2009
4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Public Safety Complex Open House
Sprague Library
2131 South 1100 East, SLC

I also encourage you to contact the Mayor’s Office or City Council Office with your input.

Mayor’s Office
801-535-7704
mayor@slcgov.com

City Council Office:
801-535-7600
council.comments@slcgov.com
City Council Office 24 Hour Comment Line: 801-535-7654

Please visit www.slcgov.com/psb for updates on the latest details. Please also take the opportunity to submit your comments online.

Thanks again,

Mayor Ralph Becker

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