Funding & Grants

SKATS, the designated MPO for the Salem-Keizer region, has released the 2019-2043 Regional Transportation Systems Plan (RTSP) for public review. The RTSP is the long-term guide that identifies priority transportation investments and is only updated every four years.  The SKATS Policy Committee met last week to review a draft RTSP, and unanimously voted to release the draft RTSP for public review.

Are you thinking about applying for an Oregon Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Non-Infrastructure Grant this spring? Considering the ODOT Rapid Response Program? The Safe Routes Partnership wants to help! We may be able to provide technical assistance to help your agency in meeting grant requirements before the deadline this May. Our team can provide support in clarifying grant criteria, providing proposal development tips, and reviewing your application.

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.

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.

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.

Following a competitive call for projects, last week the Oregon Transportation Commission approved a list of 24 recommended Safe Routes to School (SRTS) infrastructure grants. These projects will invest more than $15 million across the state to create safer ways for students to get to and from schools via walking and rolling.