Item 6: ODOT STIP Funding Priorities 2015-18

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Attachment B Introduction to and for the 2015-2018 STIP Enhance Fix-It September 24, 2012 1.0Overview Thepurpose of this paper is to provide the following information: Explainthe rationale for the change in process Explain what types of projects are in the Enhanceand Fix-Itcategories The framework in which the ACTs and MPOs should select the recommended projects to be funded in the Enhancecategory Outline the sequence of steps in the developmentof the 2015-2018 STIP The expectation of the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT)is to identify and fund the best multimodal transportation project solution to address a problem. As the agency develops the 2015-2018 STIP, we have an opportunity to movetoward an improved process that allows maximum flexibility in the use of limited funds. The Oregon Transportation Commission (OTC)needs the ability to apply the available funds in the broadest way possible. The Oregon Transportation Plan and the supporting modal plan policies identify the need to maintain and preserve the existing transportation assets. With limited funds it is not possible to maintain the existing system,yet some expansion to develop a fully multimodal system is necessary. This process will provide an opportunity for the Oregon Transportation Commissionto provide policy direction to balance maintenance and enhancement ofthe State of Oregon’s multimodal transportation system. TheOTCand ODOTare changing how Definitions: the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) is developed. The STIP will no longer be developed as a Enhance:Activities that enhance, collection of programs tied to specific expand, or improve the pools of funding dedicated to specific transportation system transportation modes or specialty programs. Beginning in the summer of Fix-It:Activities that fix or 2012, the STIP will be divided into two preserve the broad categories:Fix-ItandEnhance. transportation system The primary objective of this change is to enable ODOT to take care of the existing transportation assets while still providing a measure of funding to enhancethe state and local transportation system in a truly multimodalway. There are a number of issues driving theneed for this change. Perhaps most important, when revenue for transportation system maintenance and improvement is limited and declining, it is important that transportation investments effectively address a wide range of issues,from safety, mobility, and accessibility to economic development, sustainability, energy, health, and community livability. In short, weneedto identify the most effective projects based on community and state values, rather than those that fit best into prescribed programs.The new STIP development process also alignswith 9/24/2012Page 1