Commission Starts Digging into Funding Options

At its September 17 meeting, the Oregon Transportation Commission continued to work through how to spend more than $2 billion in money to preserve and improve the state’s transportation system in the 2024-2027 STIP.

Public Input

Throughout the process we’ve  asked for your input on how to distribute money within the different programs in the STIP by launching a public survey and seeking input from our advisory committees, including Area Commissions on Transportation and modal advisory committees.

The Commission's discussion included an overview of the input to date from the public, advisory committees and stakeholders. After receiving dozens of comments from advisory committees, we reported that members expressed strong support for: 

• Safety and Fix-It investments.
• Non-highway programs that advance equity, address climate and enhance accessibility and mobility for all.
• Investments to reduce congestion and help the economy.

The more than 800 people who responded to a survey about spending priorities expressed strong support for investments that protect environmental values, make seismic improvements, maintain roads and bridges and provide more transportation options.

Scenarios and Analysis

Based on feedback from the Commission and the public, we have developed a number of scenarios that show different options for allocating funding across transportation programs. The scenarios differ in how much they dedicate to different categories. For example, some put more money into Fix-It programs, while others dedicate more to safety or congestion relief or non-highway programs. We will evaluate these scenarios against a variety of criteria—including how well each scenario advances multimodal transportation options, improves congestion, benefits safety, advances equity, reduces carbon emissions and contributes to a state of good repair. ODOT will bring this analysis to the Commission in October for discussion.

What's Next?

After bringing the analysis of the scenarios to the OTC, we will reach out again to get your input on the options for allocating funding by hosting an online open house and we will consult with our advisory committees.

The Commission will take your input into account when they make a decision about the funding allocation at their December meeting.

For More Information or to Submit Comments

The background materials for the Commission's discussion are available online, and video of the Commission's discussion of the STIP is available on YouTube, starting at about 4:33:30.

Members of the public can submit a comment on the draft STIP at any time through the Commission's online form.