The commission approved the 2018-2021 STIP last July, but the additional funding from the FAST Act allowed it to add the new funding to “critical transportation programs.”
The funds will be used by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) for addressing a backlog of bridge, pavement and culvert projects, a seismic resilience plan for two freight routes operating after a Cascadia earthquake, as well as bicycle, pedestrian and transit projects.
“We’re fortunate to be able to make this decision—one where we’re adding funds instead of taking them away,” says Commission Chair Tammy Baney. “Still, those funds need to be focused, and we decided to continue investments in projects and programs that reduce congestion, make state highways more earthquake-resilient and increase transportation options.”
The specific allocation of the funds includes:
- $77 million in additional funding for “Fix-It” Programs for bridge, pavement, culvert, and other preservation projects.
- $35 million for the first phase of ODOT’s seismic resilience program, which will retrofit bridges on U.S. 97 and OR 58 to ensure access to Oregon from the north and the south and allow access to the Willamette Valley from less impacted areas east of the Cascades
- $5 million for ADA ramps, in addition to $18 million already allocated
- $5 million for Enhance Non-Highway program (bicycle, pedestrian and transit projects), in addition to $30 million already allocated
- $49 million for Freight
- $25 million for Strategic Investments
“I would like to thank all members of Oregon’s congressional delegation for their votes in favor of FAST Act,” says ODOT Director Matthew Garrett. “In particular, I thank Congressman Peter DeFazio for his incredible work on behalf of Oregon’s transportation system. Oregon receives significantly more funding because Congressman DeFazio has been in a continuous position of leadership on transportation policy in Washington, DC.”
