01-22-18 City Council Agenda Packet

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nfrastructure Priorities and a Potential Large Infrastructure Package - The 2015 passage of the FAST Act has brought more certaintyto transportation planning and created transportation programs that align well with the United Front partners transportation priorities. The FAST Act's first ever formula program designed to target freight system improvements and the new competitive grant program, INFRA could amount to strategic investments to address growth potential and decrease freight congestion in Lane County and the region, potentially along 1-5. Improvements to Franklin Boulevard in Eugene and Springfield, reconstructing Highway 126W as it crosses the Fern Ridge Reservoir, expansion of the EmX bus rapid transit network, and improved active transportation connectivity through shared use paths and protected bikeways are fundamental elements of the region's economic growth and rely on federal funding to be fully realized. Transportation is a critical link in our region's continued development. Federal funds to preserve existing system assets and to expand the system to support economic success must be increased significantly to augment the $5.3 billion in state transportation funding that was part of the recently passed HB 2017, Keep Oregon Moving. Investments in transportation that maintain and enhance an efficient and high- quality transportation system within the community, and provide access to other business markets are critical for continued growth of a creative business environment. The River Districts vision identifies the transformation of Franklin Boulevard as a key element for successful implementation of the District concept. United Front partners are working diligently to implement new, multimodal improvements in preparation for hosting over 45,000 international spectators for the 2021 IAAF World Championships. One key element is transformation of Franklin Boulevard in both Eugene and Springfield into a multimodal street that supports walkable redevelopment. This project is identified as a priority within the River Districts vision for local partners. The City of Springfield is constructing the first phase of Franklin improvements in Glenwood, but was unable to secure a 2015 TIGER grant for phase two. With NEPA completed for all phases, 30% of the design completed for phase 2, and phase one constructed, Springfield hopes to be more competitive in future TIGER cycles or similar programs. The City of Eugene is refining an earlier multimodal street design on Franklin with the goal of entering the NEPA process by 2017 and a subsequent TIGER grant request for funding when a local match is available. United Front partners continue to address the congestion and safety issues related to the Randy Pape Beltline and Delta Highway area. This is a critical freight corridor and local commuter pinch -point that is one of the state's top priorities to address. While the 2017 state of Oregon transportation bill provided increased funding for restoration projects and authorized jurisdictional transfers for sections of this area, we still require new funding for the design and construction of a new bridge over the Willamette River and an interchange at Delta Highway. These improvements support the efficient flow of freight from western Lane County to the 1-5 Corridor, and accommodate new development in the North Eugene areas. Lane County has three short lines and a Class 1 railroad that intersect in Eugene. Enhancing the connectivity between these lines and improving shipper access to them will result in less heavy truck traffic on Interstate 5 and routes to the Oregon Coast. Lane County is positioned to apply for INFRA funding during 2018 to address existing bottlenecks and improve local and regional intermodal facility development.