The Oregon Department of Transportation has posted its latest Stakeholder Update, which provides news on transportation policy and programs to key stakeholders. You can see all of the stories on the ODOT Government Relations website or click on the links below.
 |
Toward zero deaths: Moving forward into a future with no roadway fatalities
Ensuring that travelers make it home safe-- whether they are walking, driving, or riding a bike-- is ODOT's top priority. Unfortunately, more than 300 people die in crashes on Oregon’s roads each year. Due to concerted efforts and significant investments, these numbers have dropped significantly in recent years, reaching historic low levels and giving Oregon a roadway fatality rate well below the national average. Going forward, the Oregon Transportation Safety Action Plan seeks to continue this momentum with strategies that will further reduce fatalities and serious injuries, with the goal of eventually reaching zero deaths.
Traffic fatalities stay at historic low level
Safety action plan moves Oregon toward a future with no roadway fatalities
|
 |
Transportation Commission approves $23.7 million for non-highway projects
The Oregon Transportation Commission has approved providing $23.6 million to a list of non-highway projects through the Flexible Funds Program. The projects range from improving bus stops in Salem to restoring the Ochoco Creek Bicycle/Pedestrian Trail in Prineville.
More...
|
 |
State Highway Fund revenue forecast falls compared to previous forecast
Due to the weak economy the most recent State Highway Fund revenue forecast continues the five year pattern of seeing projections of future revenues dropping compared to previous forecasts. The December 2011 revenue forecast shows a 2.2 percent reduction from the previous forecast, with projected revenue for 2012-15 reduced by more than $100 million.
More...
|
 |
New Chief of Staff joins ODOT
Director Matt Garrett has appointed Dale Hormann of the Oregon Department of Justice to fill the position of Chief of Staff, which was vacated at the end of February when Joan Plank retired.
More...
|
 |
Oregon’s first electric vehicle charging corridor goes live
ODOT has teamed up with charging station partner AeroVironment and the Oregon Department of Energy to open the first phase of the West Coast Electric Highway on I-5 through southern Oregon. The eight charging station hubs provide electric vehicle (EV) owners a network of electric “refueling” stations along I-5, connecting the Willamette Valley to the Rogue Valley.
More...
|
| |
Legislature wraps up work on transportation bills
The Oregon Legislature wrapped up its 35-day session in early March. A number of transportation bills passed, including legislation that reallocates funding among Jobs and Transportation Act projects and a bill to transfer management of additional rest areas to the Oregon Travel Information Council.
More...
|
 |
Remembering Gail Achterman
Friends, colleagues, and Oregonians were saddened by the passing of former Oregon Transportation Commission Chair Gail Achterman in January. Gail died just five months after she reluctantly gave up serving on the commission. She had been a member of the Commission since 2000, and the influence she had on transportation, land use, and environmental policy will last far beyond her years of service.
More...
|
 |
Least Cost Planning: ODOT’s next generation planning tool
The ultimate goal of Least Cost Planning is to help provide a more accurate and thorough assessment of potential benefits of possible transportation investments and actions relative to costs and impacts — and point the way to the right balance.
More...
|
|
|
January storm causes more than $22 million in damage to Oregon roads
In late January, Mother Nature pummeled Oregon’s roads. As the debris has been cleared, trees removed, and potholes filled, ODOT and local governments have totaled up the damage. ODOT and local governments will be seeking $22.4 million from the Federal Highway Administration to reimburse the cost of opening roads and repairing damage from the storm.
More...
|
 |
Congress moves ahead with surface transportation legislation
Both chambers of Congress are moving forward with legislation to reauthorize the federal surface transportation program. The Senate’s bill passed with a bipartisan vote of 74 to 22. The House has moved its own legislation out of committee and may bring the bill to the floor soon. Both pieces of legislation would have significant impacts on Oregon’s transportation system, and ODOT has analyzed these bills.
More...
|
 |
Forward progress continues on Columbia River Crossing
The Columbia River Crossing project has seen a number of important developments in recent weeks, including the approval of tolling authority in Washington, a recommendation from US DOT to provide the project $39 million in federal funding, and an affirmation of the project’s land use approval process by the Oregon Supreme Court.
More...
|
