06/24/1985 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Responding to a request from Mayor Obie to discuss the process of updating the - six-year program, Ms. Andersen said ODOT expects the local jurisdictions to prioritize their projects. Mr. Reinhard added that the staff will continue to lobby for secondary projects. Jim Gi x, Regi ona 1 Engi neer for Regi on 3 of ODOT, sa i d there are ma ny ca tego- ries for ODOT funds. The Governorls modernization program has opened some new avenues for funding, and there are Federal preservation funds. He sa i d the 6th and 7th avenue projects fit into the modernization program, but local jurisdictions must tell ODOT how important the projects are. Then the ODOT staff will put the projects in the best category and rank them technically., Some projects may qualify for categories the local staffs are not familiar with. He suggested Eugene give the ODOT broad general priorities. I I!. GOVERNOR'S HIGHWAY MODERNIZATION PROGRAM A. Overview of HB 2266/2t Gas Tax Bill Ms. Andersen reviewed the Governorls Modernization Program. She sa i d tha t about $200 million will eventually be available for the program. Region 3 (Eugene) will probably receive about $30 million to $40 million. The program will become effective in September 1985 and revenue will begin to be received in Ja nua ry 1 986 . Responding to a question from Councilor Bascom, Mr. Gix said HB 2266 stated e that the funds will be allocated to regions "equitably. II The program is new, and a formula for allocating the funds has not yet been devised. Hearings will be held in Roseburg in July on how to equitably allocate the funds. Answering a question from Mr. Gleason, Mr. Gix said the people in eastern and central Oregon might agree to accept less modernization funds if they are assured they will continue to get preservation funds. Mr. Gl ea son sa i d a well-prepared presentation by councilors and others might influence the way funds a re all oca ted. Mr. Gix noted the Oregon Transportation Commission will want the projects to "stand on their own feet, II and then the Commission will choose which ones to fund. Responding to a question from Ms. Bascom, Mr. Gix said $150 million of the gas tax money will be used for projects in the last six-year highway program. Eugene has three projects (the high priority projects) in the development porti on of tha t program. They are in the "green book II (the 1984-1989 program) and will be considered for the modernization funds. Twenty-five million dollars of the gas tax money will fund new projects and $25 million will be designated as discretionary funds. He sa i d the Governor wa nts the Tra nspor- tation Commission to take a leadership role in economic development. B. Discretionary Portion for Possible Off-State-System Use Answering questions from Councilor Hansen earlier in the meeting, Mr. Gix said 6th a nd 7th a venues are Sta te hi ghways. Consequently, their extension is in "good shape. II The Chambers Connector out to Delta Highway is not a State e roa d. The Governor's modernization program will now enable ODOT to consider MINUTES--Eugene City Council June 24, 1985 Pa ge 2