Item 6: ConnectOregon Grant Application for Air Cargo Project

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ConnectOregon Fact Sheet Oregon Department of Transportation Page 7 revised 11/18/05 How will the 15 percent regional allocations be met if there are multiple project application periods? There will be one project selection period during which all $100 million will be awarded, including the 15 percent regional allocation requirement. Should there be delays affecting one or more regions, this will not hold up making the 15 percent allocation to other regions which are ready. What if $15 million worth of projects are not submitted for every region? Given the need for transportation system improvements throughout the state, ODOT anticipates that each region will submit at least $15 million in project requests. How much time will the advisory boards and committees have to evaluate applications? ODOT expects to post information on all project applications that are found to be complete and eligible on the ConnectOregon web site by early February 2006. The advisory organizations named in Senate Bill 71 will have approximately eight weeks to make project recommendations. How will projects from different modes be fairly compared and evaluated? The Oregon Transportation Commission will consider the projects that are in the best interest of the state's transportation system. How will marine projects be selected? Marine projects will be given the same consideration and go through the same process as other projects; all applications will be received by ODOT. There is no specific marine advisory committee listed in the bill, however, there are many groups and stakeholders (e.g., Area Commissions on Transportation) not named in Senate Bill 71, and ODOT encourages these various groups to discuss and consider potential projects. Since information on all applications will be publicly available on ODOT's web site, any stakeholder or group will have the same basic information as the four advisory groups named in Senate Bill 71. The Oregon Transportation Commission will select all projects. How will Area Commissions on Transportation be involved in project review? Senate Bill 71 did not define a role for Area Commissions. However, it would be ideal for Area Commissions and the Metropolitan Planning Organizations to work with potential applicants to identify projects that will be good candidates for ConnectOregon funding. The Area Commissions can play an important role in working with project applicants and interested parties in their regions to help shape regional priorities. For updated information on highway work and current travel Information throughout Oregon, visit www.trlpcheck.com. or call the Oregon road report at 511 or (800) 977-6368. Visit the OOOT News Media Center at www.oregon.gov/OOOT.