Projects include new trails, plans, project refinements and more
March 30, 2021
Dear walking and biking enthusiasts,
We are excited to share that the Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee recommends funding 18 projects totaling $11.3 million for ODOT’s Oregon Community Paths Program. The recommendation now goes to the Oregon Transportation Committee for final approval at its May meeting.
The Oregon Community Paths Program, or OCP, is a new program dedicated to help plan and build off-road walking and biking paths that connect communities and destinations. It's a key contributor to ODOT's Strategic Action Plan, as it adds to the agency's priorities of equity, a modern transportation system and sufficient and reliable funding. Funded by Keep Oregon Moving (HB 2017), the program also aims to improve safety for walkers, bikers and other personal mobility device users.
Two types of projects are funded through OCP: construction and preliminary planning (or project refinement). The recommended projects for funding are:
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Applicant
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Project Title
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Type of Project
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Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission
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Kestrel Park Bridge - Bear Creek Greenway Extension
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Construction
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Astoria
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Riverwalk Trail Continuation of Lighting East
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Construction
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Chiloquin
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Chiloquin Community Safe and Healthy Connections
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Construction
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Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation
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Tribal Services Center Access Path
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Construction
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Corvallis
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Tunison Community Path
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Project Refinement
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Eugene
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Eugene Berkeley Park Path
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Construction
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Hermiston
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Belt Park Greenway Trail
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Construction
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Independence
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South Willamette River Trail Refinement
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Project Refinement
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Joseph Branch Trail Consortium
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Joseph Branch Rail with Trail
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Project Refinement
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La Grande
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City of La Grande Critical Link Project Refinement
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Project Refinement
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Madras
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Juniper Hills to Madras East Trails Multiuse Connection Project
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Construction
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Medford
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Larson Creek Path Repaving: Black Oak to Murphy Rd
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Construction
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Ontario
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Ontario North-South Connector
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Project Refinement
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Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District
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Westside Trail Segments 14-18 Master Plan (Preferred Alignment)
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Project Refinement
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Tualatin
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Tualatin River Greenway Trail Extension
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Construction
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Warrenton
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Tansy Point Connection NW 11th Path
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Project Refinement
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Wasco County (NWCPRD)
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Mill Creek Greenway
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Construction
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Washington County LU&T
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Reedville Trail
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Construction
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The Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and ODOT staff put in over 100 hours reviewing and evaluating potential projects using the scoring criteria and priorities determined by the committee in 2020. Applicants interested in details about the project selection process or specifics about individual applications are encouraged to attend an online meeting on May 14 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 pm. This meeting is open to the public and we will post more information about it on the OCP website. You can RSVP by emailing Alan Thompson, Alan.L.Thompson@odot.state.or.us or by calling statewide relay at 7-1-1.
Summary
In November 2020, ODOT received 81 letters of interest for the OCP program, totaling $105 million. Those letters determined to be eligible for the program were invited to apply for funding. In January 2021, ODOT received 57 applications from across the state for the OCP Grant Program, totaling $35 million. The Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee met on March 24 and approved a recommended project list for the Oregon Community Paths Grant Program for the Oregon Transportation Commission’s consideration at its May meeting.
Questions and answers
Q: What was the project selection process and participation by the Oregon Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee?
A: Committee members approved the application priority criteria in April 2020 based on their previously agreed merit, benefit, project characteristics and project readiness criteria. Scoring weights were developed and approved in August 2020. ODOT staff reviewed applications according to the analysis procedure and identified an initial list of projects as meeting the weighted criteria:
- Equity (Benefit)
- Safety (Benefit)
- Eligibility (Project Characteristics)
- Public Support (Merit)
- Project Readiness
ODOT regional staff next completed a red flag review for the upper tier of projects likely to be funded and potential back-up projects.
Q: What happens next?
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May 13: Oregon Transportation Commission reviews the recommendation for discussion and decision-making. OTC meeting materials will be available two weeks before the meeting.
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May 14: Staff hosts an online meeting from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to review the project selection process (register in advance for the meeting).
Q: Is there an appeal process for applicants?
A: Yes. Because the Oregon Community Paths Construction Program is located in ODOT’s Public Transportation Division, an applicant may email a letter before May 28, 2020 describing the appeal to Public Transportation Division Administrator Karyn Criswell: Karyn.C.Criswell@odot.state.or.us.
Q: How can the public engage in the process?
A: All OBPAC meetings are open to the public with time allotted for public comment. These meetings are virtual, until further notice. More information on meetings and how to get involved is at the OBPAC webpage.
More information about the Oregon Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee
The Oregon Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee advises ODOT in program policy and recommendations for funding allocation for both the Oregon Community Paths Infrastructure Program and Ped-Bike Program. The Oregon Community Paths Program is guided by OAR 731-036, created in January 2020 for state OCP funding.
Thank you for your support of the Oregon Community Paths program!
Sincerely,
Alan Thompson and the Active Transportation Team
 An extension of the Tualatin River Greenway Trail is on the list of recommended projects.
Alan Thompson, ODOT Oregon Community Paths Program manager,
503-986-7202 (Office); (971) 375-3903 (Cell)
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