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ODOT Flexible Funds Program Overview. January 7, 2010. Context. The ODOT Flexible Funds Program is based on direction from the Oregon legislature to invest in non-highway transportation. In May, 2010, the Transportation Commission approved the program.
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ODOT Flexible Funds Program Overview January 7, 2010
Context • The ODOT Flexible Funds Program is based on direction from the Oregon legislature to invest in non-highway transportation. • In May, 2010, the Transportation Commission approved the program. • Additionally, the Commission directed staff to form a Stakeholder Advisory Committee, to be chaired by Commissioner Mary Olson. • The Advisory Committee was tasked with helping the Department develop program criteria.
Program Purpose • Support sustainable non-highway projects that positively impact: • Modal Connectivity • The Environment • Mobility and Access • Livability • Energy Use • Overall Operation of the Transportation System.
Key Program Characteristics • Focus Areas: Transit, Bicycle, Pedestrian, Transportation Demand Management (TDM); related planning, research and project development. • Funding: $21 million in FHWA Surface Transportation Funds (STP) were available during the recently completed funding cycle. • Eligible Applicants: Government entities eligible to receive STP funds. • Project Size: Minimum $50,000 (Federal Share); Maximum $2.1 million (Federal Share). • Match Requirement: 10.27% local contribution.
Background • In August, the Commission approved criteria recommended to them by the Advisory Committee. • An application process for the Flexible Funds Program was initiated by staff in September, 2010. • Applications were due to ODOT in November, 2010. • 115 requests for funding were received for Transit, Transportation Demand Management (TDM), Bicycle and Pedestrian projects.
Background - continued • Over $83 million in funding was requested for the $21 million in available federal funds from the Surface Transportation Program. • Projects were evaluated by an ODOT Internal Review Committee. • Evaluations were based on the criteria developed with the assistance of the Advisory Committee and approved by the Commission. • The Transportation Commission will consider the recommended package of projects at their January, 2011 meeting.
Program Criteria The Criteria focused on several key themes: • Connectivity, integration and benefit to the (transportation) system. • Sustainability. • Mobility, access and health.
Additional Considerations • Applicants were also asked to identify: • Project benefits and costs. • Timelines. • Local support. • Planning. • Availability of matching funds.
Next Steps • Reconvene the Flexible Funds Advisory Committee. • Assess how well the Program worked during the first application cycle. • Identify lessons learned. • Update/revise the application process and program criteria as needed. • Prepare for the next round of funding, pending direction from the Transportation Commission.
Questions? • Bob Sherman, Sr. Transportation Planner • Telephone: 503 986-4226 • Email:Robert.L.Sherman@odot.state.or.us • Website: • http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/TD/TP/FlexFunds.shtml