Safe Routes to School rules open for comment May 1; important "save the date" announcements

April 25, 2018

Dear Safe Routes to School enthusiasts and interested parties,

We’re pleased to announce that May 1 - 31, we are accepting public comments on the draft rule update (PDF) for the Safe Routes to School Fund. We have also scheduled a public hearing. First, we want to thank all the members of the Rule Advisory Committee and our partners, who spent many hours helping develop these new rules. Second, we invite you to learn more and provide your input:

• May 1 – May 31: Public comment period. Visit our website to view the draft rule update. Send written comments to LeeAnne Fergason, ODOT SRTS Manager: leeanne.fergason@odot.state.or.us.
• May 15, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.: Public hearing at Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry, 626 High Street NE, Salem OR 97301.

Please provide your input by May 31. Then, note below the next steps:

• July 19: Oregon Transportation Commission considers draft rule for adoption.
• July 23: Rules go into effect and solicitation for applications begins, pending commission action.

 

SAVE THE DATES!
We’re also pleased to announce the schedule for our Competitive Program Outreach workshops. We’ve scheduled six workshops and a webinar to help you understand the application process for the new Safe Routes to School Infrastructure program. Staff members will present an overview and answer questions about this new opportunity. The presentation will cover SRTS Infrastructure Program specifics including timeline, eligibility, proposal selection process, match requirements, and proposal development tips. The target audiences include city, county, tribes, transit district staff, and public school representatives. All workshops are open to the public. See the workshop flyer (PDF) for more information.

6/18 (1:00 - 2:30 p.m.) - BAKER CITY WORKSHOP
Location: Baker County Library, 2400 Resort St.
Hosted in conjunction with the Northeast and Southeast Area Commission on Transportation meeting.

6/25 (3:00 - 4:30 p.m.) - SALEM WORKSHOP
Location: Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry, 626 High St NE.
Hosted in conjunction with the Safe Routes to School Network Annual Meeting. See the Oregon Safe Routes to School website for more information.

6/27 (1:00 - 2:30 p.m.) - WEBINAR
Location: Online through JoinMe
RSVP to LeeAnne Fergason; RSVP is recommended but not required.

7/2 (2:30 - 4:00 p.m.) - PORTLAND WORKSHOP
Location: ODOT Region 1, 123 NW Flanders St.
Hosted in conjunction with the Region 1 Area Commission on Transportation Meeting.

7/12 (12:30 - 2:00 p.m.) - REDMOND WORKSHOP
Location: City of Redmond Public Works Training Room, 243 E. Antler Avenue.
Hosted in Conjunction with the Central Oregon Area Commission on Transportation meeting.

8/8 (2:30 - 4:30 p.m.) - SPRINGFIELD WORKSHOP
Location: Agnes Stewart Middle School, 900 S. 32nd St.
Hosted in conjunction with the Lane Area Commission on Transportation Meeting.

8/16 (10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.) - ASHLAND WORKSHOP
Location: TBD
Hosted in conjunction with the Transportation Options Group of Oregon meeting. See the Transportation Options Group of Oregon website for more information.

Next Rules Advisory Committee meeting May 9
Finally, we wanted to let you know the next RAC meeting is May 9, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. in Salem and will focus on recommendations for program guidance. Meeting materials will be available on our website beginning May 2.

 

Thank you for your interest in Safe Routes to School!

The SRTS team

LeeAnne Fergason, ODOT Safe Routes to School Program Manager
LeeAnne.FERGASON@odot.state.or.us, 503-986-5805