Item B: West Eugene Transporation System/MPC Update

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July 5, 2006 Lane Council of Governments POage 2 .\, \~ . '{ \\ As a steward of taXpayer dollars, anaT is critically concerned about obligating additional funds on top of the money already spent. For this reason, onOT believes that the current NEP A process needs to be brought to a conclusion, even if that conclusion is a "no build" on the project as it is defined in the WEP environmental document. UDue to these concerns, we recommend that a collaborative process be initiated only if there is no time limit placed on the deliberations. " The letter further indicates that ODaT would likely incur substantial costs to support such a process. Additionally, further time delay will likely mean escalating project costs to construct beyond the current estimates. This is not acceptable to aDaT . We need to bring the current NEP A process to closure. If the City of Eugene cannot accept either the current proposed alignment or the FHW A southern alte~ative, then aDaT h~ been advised by FHW A that ~ "no build" NEP A document could be submitted immediately based on the obs'ervations in the Osprey report. A "no build" decision would bring closure to the WEP and will be the action recommended if the City of Eugene cannot accept the current proposed alignment or the FHW A southern alternative. With regard to funding dedicated to the WEP, a "no build" decision would result in the re~aining funds currently allocated in the STIP for the WEP being restored to the Department's modernization funds for reallocation by the Oregon Transportation Commission (OTC). This decision does not come lightly. It is extremely difficult for our agency, tasked with state transportation project development and delivery, to take this action. It is no small thing to come to the end of a costly, decades-long effort to reach this outcome, particularly when, with one exception, all of the regional partners continue to support the WEP. Sincerely, 'rI~ Matthew L. Garrett Director