Applications for ConnectOregon funds top $90 million
Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
The Oregon Department of Transportation has received 78 applications requesting a total of $91,551,136 for the next round of ConnectOregon funding.
The 2015 Oregon Legislature authorized $45 million in lottery-backed bonds for ConnectOregon VI, a program that invests in non-highway multimodal transportation projects around the state. A thorough application review and recommendations process will occur over the next few months, with a final decision on approved projects set for summer 2016.
ConnectOregon was first approved by the 2005 Oregon Legislature to invest in air, rail, marine/ports and transit infrastructure. The success of the first year’s $100-million program led to ConnectOregon II and ConnectOregon III programs, at $100 million and $95 million (plus a separate $5 million for rural airports) respectively; ConnectOregon IV was authorized for $40 million and ConnectOregon V was authorized for $42 million.
Several updates will be in play for the ConnectOregon VI program, including an increase in the match requirements and other elements. ConnectOregon VI applications are already undergoing reviews for completeness and feasibility; approved applications will then be forwarded to modal and regional committees for review and public input.
In late spring 2016, a Final Review Committee will prioritize its recommendations for funding and forward them to the Oregon Transportation Commission (OTC). An OTC public hearing on the recommendations will be held soon after that and a final decision is expected in summer 2016.
