From 2005-2012 there was dedicated federal funding for Safe Routes to School infrastructure and non-infrastructure. When that went away, ODOT and the Oregon Transportation Commission used its discretion to continue some dedicated funding for non-infrastructure. Although there was no dedicated funding for infrastructure, several Safe Routes to School projects successfully competed for funding over the years.
In 2017, the Oregon Legislature passed the landmark transportation funding package (HB2017) which dedicates infrastructure funding once again to Safe Routes to School. Funding will flow into the Safe Routes to School Fund (ORS 184.740), guided by Oregon Administrative Rule 737-025. The new funding source for infrastructure money is state highway funds. These have different constitutional restrictions than federal funds and the Rule must be amended to make it consistent with state laws. Projects on school grounds, bike racks, off-road improvements and planning studies will no longer be eligible for infrastructure funding. The Rulemaking Advisory Committee submitted the revised Rule to the Oregon Transportation Commission (OTC) in 2018.
The Oregon Transportation Commission (OTC), adopted the amended Oregon Safe Routes to School Rule (OAR 737-025) in 2018.
For more information read the updated rule, SRTS Notice Filing, or contact leeanne.fergason@odot.state.or.us.