State Park Bicycle/Pedestrian Rules Advisory Committee, Sept. 11

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) Bicycle/Pedestrian Rules Advisory Committee will meet 10 a.m. – noon Sept. 11 in the large conference room at the Oregon Archives Building, 800 Summer St. NE, Salem. The meeting is open the public, however there will not be an opportunity for public comment. On the agenda: a committee discussion of proposed rules for bicycle and pedestrian grant funding based on recent legislative changes directed in HB 2592. HB 2592, enacted during the 2019 legislative session, directs OPRD to work in cooperation with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to allocate up to $4 million per biennium for bicycle pedestrian projects that meet recreation and transportation needs. Half of the funding is directed to come through the Local Government Grant program and the remaining portion is directed toward signature, scenic or recreation trails. HB 2592 includes a sunset eliminating requirements for funding to be allocated toward each program after January 2, 2025. The advisory committee is tasked with reviewing proposed bicycle/pedestrian and trail rules and recommending them to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission. The advisory committee is staffed by volunteers and includes representatives from local governments, state agencies and nonprofits.  The commission will hear the proposed bicycle/pedestrian rules at their next meeting mid-September. The rules will then be open to a public comment period. The commission will review the comments and make a final decision on the proposed rules by the end of the year. Individuals who require special accommodations to attend the meeting should contact Katie Gauthier, OPRD legislative and policy coordinator, at least three days in advance: 503-947-8625 or Katie.Gauthier@oregon.gov.