Item B: West Eugene Transportation System/MPC Update

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ECC UGENEITYOUNCIL AIS GENDATEMUMMARY Work Session: Collaborative Process to Identify a Transportation Solution for West Eugene and the FY06-09 Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program Meeting Date: July 12, 2006 Agenda Item Number: B Department: City Manager’s Office Staff Contact: Mark Schoening www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 682-5243 ISSUE STATEMENT Attachment A is a letter dated July 5, 2006, to the Metropolitan Policy Committee (MPC) from Matthew Garrett, Director of the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). In the letter, Mr. Garrett states that substantial costs likely to be incurred by ODOT and the time required for a collaborative process to identify a transportation solution for West Eugene are unacceptable to ODOT. Mr. Garrett further states that if the City of Eugene cannot support either the current alignment of the West Eugene Parkway (WEP) or the southern alignment proposed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) (Attachment B), then ODOT will recommend a “no build” decision which would bring closure to the WEP and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process. Attachment C is a letter dated June 22, 2006, to the MPC from Gary Williams, Chair of the Lane Council of Governments (LCOG) Board of Directors. In the letter, Mr. Williams identifies the following actions requested of MPC by the LCOG Board: 1.At the July, 13, 2006 meeting, MPC will pass an FY06-09 MTIP. Its composition is left to the MPC to decide; and 2.Not later than the January 2007, MPC meeting (six months), the MPC will develop a dispute resolution process for delegated MPO duties which ensures MPO responsibilities will be met. This process and supporting changes to MPC bylaws must meet the approval of the LCOG Board. Mr. Williams furthers states that “Failure to comply with these two requirements will force the LCOG Board to take necessary intervention steps up to and including rescinding our delegation of MPO responsibilities to MPC.” On Thursday, July 13, the MPC is scheduled to take action on the FY06-09 Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program (MTIP) as submitted in November 2005, and as modified by amendments to the FY05-07 MTIP. BACKGROUND At the City Council meeting held on October 26, 2005, the council failed to pass the following motion: L:\CMO\2006 Council Agendas\M060712\S060712B.doc