Item B: West Eugene Transportation System/MPC Update

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To continue to support the West Eugene Parkway as a modernization project priority when the Metropolitan Policy Committee considers the Central Lane Metropolitan Planning Organization modernization project priorities for the 2008-2011 State Transportation Improvement Program and the 2006-2009 Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program. The following subsequent motion was passed by the City Council: To direct the City Manager to consult with the City of Eugene’s intergovernmental partners and community organizations to scope a process to design and build transportation projects in West Eugene to address congestion, safety, and operation for all modes of transportation. With the direction provided by the failure of the first motion, the council’s two representatives on the MPC voted against the adoption of the FY06-FY09 MTIP at the MPC meeting held on November 10, 2005. The FY06-FY09 MTIP remains un-adopted. In March 2006, the Osprey Group was selected to conduct an assessment of the controversy surrounding the WEP, with a particular emphasis on what, if any, expanded community involvement might be helpful. The Osprey Group completed its work and prepared a report titled “Conflict Assessment, Florence-Eugene Highway Project (commonly referred to as the West Eugene Parkway or WEP)” in May 2006. The Osprey Group identified three options for moving forward towards a decision including: Proceed with the current NEPA review process A collaborative process Heightened commitment to public engagement The Osprey Group concluded that a collaborative process can best address the challenge of getting to a transportation solution for West Eugene that has widespread understanding and acceptability. The Osprey Group also concluded that without willing and active ODOT participation, such a process should not be pursued. At the City Council meeting held on May 24, 2006, the City Council passed a motion directing its MPC representatives to request that the MPC adopt a resolution that would: Adopt the FY06-09 MTIP air quality conformity Adopt the FY06-09 MTIP as modified by the reprogramming of the WEP to FY09 and by the FY05- 07 MTIP amendments adopted subsequent to November 2005 Endorse and agree to participate in a collaborative process as outlined in Option II of the Osprey Group’s May 2006 Conflict Assessment Request ODOT to delay conclusion of the NEPA process on the WEP until after completion of the collaborative process and to consider the product of that collaborative process. COUNCIL OPTIONS The council may: 1.Support the current West Eugene Parkway alignment and adoption of the FY06-09 MTIP. 2.Support the Alternative Southern Alignment as proposed by FHWA and adoption of the FY06-09 MTIP. L:\CMO\2006 Council Agendas\M060712\S060712B.doc