Background
In 2017, the Oregon Legislature passed
Keep Oregon Moving (House Bill 2017), which includes changes to the existing
Connect Oregon Grant Fund (ORS 367.082) program that necessitates aligning the implementing rules with the new statutes. The legislation bifurcated the program into two new parts, with a separate allocation of 7% for multimodal active transportation projects. Beyond the structural changes to the Connect Oregon program, HB 2017 charged the Department with streamlining the application process.
In 2019, the Oregon Legislature passed
House Bill 2592 to clarify and amend House Bill 2017. The legislation establishes the Multimodal Active Transportation (MAT) Fund for bicycle and pedestrian projects, consisting 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 can be viewed on the
Oregon Community Paths page. The legislation also clarifies roles and responsibilities between ODOT and the Oregon Department of Parks and Recreation to provide funding to bicycle and pedestrian projects with up to $4M of lottery revenues.
Rules Advisory Comittee
The Multimodal Active Transportation Fund Rules Advisory Committee developed the
Multimodal Active Transportation Fund Administrative Rule Chapter 731 Division 36 which was adopted in January 2021. These rules will set up the administrative process for the MAT fund, including the grant application process, eligibility requirements, project selection criteria, match requirements, and project administration process for the MAT program consistent with HB 2592. The Committee with also advise on ways to streamline the application process. The existing
Connect Oregon Administrative Rule Chapter 731 Division 35 will be updated concurrently by the Connect Oregon Rules Advisory Committee to align with the legislative intent of the transportation funding package (HB 2017) and HB 2592, under ORS 367.080 to 089.
The Committee consists of representatives from the Oregon Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Oregon Public Transit Advisory Committee, Area Commissions on Transportation, state and local parks departments, state and local governments, and trails advocacy groups. A series of four to five meetings will include an overview of changes to Oregon Law made by the 2019 Legislature, discussing the committee's goals, local public engagement along with participation from local governments and public interest groups in the rule making process.
Upcoming Meetings
- Public Hearing
November 20, 2019, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
(Gail Achtermann Commission Room, Rm 103)
Meetings are open to the public.
Location
Oregon Department of Transportation Building
355 Capital Street NE, Salem
Salem, OR 97301
The room location of each meeting is noted in the schedule above.
Remote attendance via web conference and conference call will be available for each meeting. Conference call numbers and web conference links will be included in the agendas posted below.
Meeting Materials
November 20, 2019
August 12, 2019
July 30, 2019
January 16, 2019
December 3, 2018