Pacific Northwest

RTC Transportation Funding Opportunities

As the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for the Clark County region, the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) of SW Washington is responsible for selecting and programming projects for the regional share of the Federal Highway program. RTC also has responsibility for ensuring the obligation of these federal funds. The federal programs managed by RTC include the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG), Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ), and Transportation Alternatives (TA). RTC has several funding opportunities for transportation projects in 2019, and we anticipate the RTC Board to approve two funding updates at their monthly meeting on April 2.

Oregon looks at cleaning up dirty diesel with HB 2007, let's strengthen it!

3/27/19 update: HB 2007 has been scheduled for a work session on April 4, 2019. The bill was scheduled prior to the first chamber deadline so that it may continue to advance this session. While no amendments have been posted yet, we're supporting partners in asking for amendments that will strengthen the bill. Read our post from earlier this month for more details:

PedPDX Draft Plan Open for Public Comment Through May 3

After two years of study and collaboration with community partners, the Portland Bureau of Transportation is ready to showcase PedPDX, Portland’s citywide pedestrian plan. It prioritizes sidewalk and crossing improvements and other investments to make walking safer and more comfortable across the city. The plan identifies the key strategies and tools we will use to make Portland a great walking city for everyone. 

2019 SRTS Funding in Oregon

 

ODOT is gearing up for the next round of SRTS funding, including the Non-Infrastructure, Rapid Response and Project Identification Programs. The Non-Infrastructure Program opens in April, with about $500,000/yr available for the 3-year grant cycle, and can help fund education, encouragement and enforcement programs. About $1.8M is available for the Rapid Response Program, for projects that simply cannot wait for the 2021 competition. More details are expected soon on the Project ID Program.

2019 Washington Legislature

In the Washington Legislature, we work closely with partners at Healthy Living Collaborative, Childhood Obesity Prevention Coalition, and Washington Bikes to track bills. Our primary focus is on improving health outcomes, increasing safety for people who walk, bike, and access transit, and securing funding for transportation projects to achieve those goals. 

February 28 update: 

Salem MPO Opens 2022-2024 Funding Applications, RTSP Comment Period Opening Soon

The Salem Keizer Area Transportation Study (SKATS) Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has opened the application period for the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Approximately $15 million will be made available for transportation projects in 2022 – 2024. Public agencies capable of contracting with ODOT are eligible to receive funding. Private entities and non-profits may also apply as co-applicants with a public agency.

Public Comment Open for Clark County Regional Transportation Plan

The Southwest Washington Regional Transportation Council updated the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) for Clark County during 2018, and is now available as a draft for public comment. This is a regular update that occurs approximately every 4-5 years, to comply with federal requirements and to ensure continued consistency between federal, state, regional and local plans.

The RTP update focuses on the following themes:

Public Comment Open for Transit Funding + LTD’s “Transit Tomorrow”

The Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund (STIF) is a new dedicated source of funding for expanding public transportation service in Oregon. (Read our earlier coverage of STIF & activity in the Salem-area). Eighteen of the forty-two eligible transit providers in Oregon have submitted applications for the first STIF review cycle, which started in November 2018.