Public invited to comment on proposed air, marine and rail projects, April 4

Coos Bay Rail Connect Oregon – ODOT release – SALEM – Rail, marine and air transportation projects are up for final funding consideration in the next round of the Connect Oregon multimodal transportation program. Some 49 applications requesting $126 million have come in, with approximately $46 million available to award. A simplified list shows the projects ranked in priority before the next step in the process, which will be ranking by the Final Review Committee. Then the committee’s recommendations, along with public input, will go to the Oregon Transportation Commission in May. Two important dates are approaching in the process. April 6, 9 a.m.: Final Review Committee meeting (agenda). The public is invited to watch as this diverse group of transportation experts from around the state review, discuss and recommend projects for funding. This group’s prioritized list of recommendations will go to the Oregon Transportation Commission for a final decision. No public comments will be accepted at this meeting. See the website for details on watching the meeting and see below for ways to provide feedback. April 25, 5 p.m.: Comments must be received. Here’s how you can provide feedback: -Join the online public hearing, 1 p.m. Wed., April 20. You must register to join this hearing by entering your contact information in this online form. The meeting will use Microsoft Teams, and instructions on using this tool will be provided to all who register. Registration to attend closes at 5 p.m., April 19. -Email comments to john.boren@odot.oregon.gov. Input must be received by 5 p.m., Monday, April 25. NOTE: Anyone interested is invited to participate. Accommodations, such as material in alternate formats, are available. Please call 503-986-4181 or statewide relay at 711 to make your request. Background: The 2021 Connect Oregon process represents the seventh competitive cycle of the program; the last competitive cycle was CO VI in 2016. The program funds non-highway transportation projects in the rail, marine and aviation modes to support the economy, reduce congestion by moving freight off the highways, and improve the strength and efficiency of the state’s transportation system