In 2019, the Oregon Legislature passed
House Bill 2592 establish the Multimodal Active Transportation Fund, or MAT, for bicycle and pedestrian projects. MAT consists of 7% of the Connect Oregon Fund plus revenues from Oregon’s bicycle excise tax.
The MAT is a separate grant program from Connect Oregon and is governed under
Oregon Administrative Rule 731, Division 36. The legislation also clarifies roles and responsibilities between ODOT and the Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation to provide funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects.
In addition to state MAT funding, federal funding is provided through Transportation Alternative funds, or TA. The state of Oregon restricts the use of TA funds to the following project types:
- Development, construction, reconstruction, major resurfacing, or other capital improvements of multiuse paths, bicycle paths and footpaths.
- Planning, design and engineering expenses, including consultant services, associated with developing eligible infrastructure projects.
Federal regulations also limit who may apply for TA funds. Those who can include:
- A local government, including city, town, township, village, borough, parish, tribal government or county agencies.
- Transit agencies, any federal, tribal, state or local agency responsible for Natural Resources or public land administration (e.g. park, forest, fish/game/wildlife agencies, Department of Interior, U.S. Forest Service).
- A non-profit organization entity responsible for administration of local transportation safety programs.
- Management of TA projects must be a certified agency. While ODOT is ineligible to apply for TA funds, non-certified agencies may partner with ODOT to manage the project.