Governor Kulongoski Signs ConnectOregon II

House Bill 2278 invests $100 million in Oregon’s air, rail, marine and public transportation systems.

Salem-News.com

(MEDFORD, Ore. ) - Today at the Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport, Governor Ted Kulongoski signed House Bill 2278, ConnectOregon II, which provides $100 million in grants and loans for key multimodal projects around the state. “The reality is that more and more of our economy depends on efficient and reliable trade, travel and transportation,” Governor Kulongoski said. “These investments are critical to reducing congestion and increasing the flow of people, commerce and goods, helping ensure our economy remains strong and stable for the future.” In an effort to diversify and strengthen Oregon’s multi-modal transportation infrastructure, the Governor introduced the ConnectOregon program in 2005 to fund non-highway projects statewide, which passed the legislature with bipartisan support.

Currently there are 40 ConnectOregon projects across the state aimed at improving local airports, seaports, railways and public transit systems.

Building on the success of the program, the 2007 legislature passed House Bill 2278, ConnectOregon II, provides an additional $100 million in lottery backed grants and loans for communities seeking improvements to their transportation infrastructure. “Not only are we continuing the program, but since the first round of grants, we’ve made improvements in how we evaluate the applications so that we can shorten the time between the application process and the actual groundbreaking – improving the flow of commerce, removing delays for travelers and enhancing safety for everyone,” the Governor continued. Both public organizations and private entities may apply for funding to finance project activities that are not eligible for funding from the State Highway Trust Fund or for projects that require or rely upon continuing subsidies from ODOT.

ConnectOregon II also provides for statewide and regional funding, with at least 10 percent of the net proceeds of the lottery bond funds dedicated to each region of the state. The Governor has put this project on a “fast-track” and the Oregon Transportation Commission has established a process that includes a three-month application period, beginning in September 2007, and OTC approval by June 2008.

For more information about the application and selection process, go to: www.oregon.gov/ODOT/COMM/CO. Highlighting that Oregon is projected to experience a 41 percent increase in population and an 80 percent increase in freight, most of which will be on Oregon’s highways and roads, by 2030, the Governor closed his remarks with a commitment to develop a comprehensive statewide transportation strategy to present to the 2009 legislature. “This project is part of a much larger effort that we need to address if we want to keep and strengthen Oregon’s competitiveness in a global economy,” the Governor said. “I, like you, want to see Oregon on a path that will lead to better jobs, less congestion and a cleaner and more sustainable environment, which is why in the coming year we must work together – local, state, federal governments, the business community and individual citizens – to develop a plan that helps us make that vision a reality.”