HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem B: West Eugene Transportation System/MPC Update
ECC
UGENEITYOUNCIL
AIS
GENDATEMUMMARY
Work Session: Collaborative Process to Identify a Transportation Solution for West
Eugene and the FY06-09 Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program
Meeting Date: July 12, 2006 Agenda Item Number: B
Department: City Manager’s Office Staff Contact: Mark Schoening
www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 682-5243
ISSUE STATEMENT
Attachment A is a letter dated July 5, 2006, to the Metropolitan Policy Committee (MPC) from Matthew
Garrett, Director of the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). In the letter, Mr. Garrett states
that substantial costs likely to be incurred by ODOT and the time required for a collaborative process to
identify a transportation solution for West Eugene are unacceptable to ODOT. Mr. Garrett further states
that if the City of Eugene cannot support either the current alignment of the West Eugene Parkway
(WEP) or the southern alignment proposed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
(Attachment B), then ODOT will recommend a “no build” decision which would bring closure to the
WEP and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process.
Attachment C is a letter dated June 22, 2006, to the MPC from Gary Williams, Chair of the Lane
Council of Governments (LCOG) Board of Directors. In the letter, Mr. Williams identifies the
following actions requested of MPC by the LCOG Board:
1.At the July, 13, 2006 meeting, MPC will pass an FY06-09 MTIP. Its composition is left to the
MPC to decide; and
2.Not later than the January 2007, MPC meeting (six months), the MPC will develop a dispute
resolution process for delegated MPO duties which ensures MPO responsibilities will be met.
This process and supporting changes to MPC bylaws must meet the approval of the LCOG
Board.
Mr. Williams furthers states that “Failure to comply with these two requirements will force the LCOG
Board to take necessary intervention steps up to and including rescinding our delegation of MPO
responsibilities to MPC.”
On Thursday, July 13, the MPC is scheduled to take action on the FY06-09 Metropolitan Transportation
Improvement Program (MTIP) as submitted in November 2005, and as modified by amendments to the
FY05-07 MTIP.
BACKGROUND
At the City Council meeting held on October 26, 2005, the council failed to pass the following motion:
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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.
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3.Support a “no build” decision for the WEP.
4.Decline to take any action.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION
If there is not City Council support for either the current alignment of the WEP or the southern
alignment proposed by FHWA, then the City Manager recommends that the City refocus its regional
transportation priorities to the Beltline Corridor from Coburg Road to River Road including the Delta
Highway/Beltline interchange.
SUGGESTED MOTION
There is no suggested motion.
ATTACHMENTS
A.Letter from Matthew Garrett dated July 5, 2006
B.Alternative Southern Alignment proposed by FHWA
C.Letter from Gary Williams dated June 22, 2006
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Staff Contact: Mark Schoening
Telephone: 682-5243
Staff E-Mail: mark.a.schoening@ci.eugene.or.us
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