Gov. Kulongoski is expected to sign the ConnectOregon bill sometime in the next month. The program is a $100 million lottery bond-funded measure intended to fund infrastructure projects that aren't otherwise eligible for highway funds, but that are critical to meeting the state's intermodal freight needs. In other words, the money could go for rail, marine, or air-related improvements, but not for roads, grade crossings, etc. It's a small amount compared to Washington's and California's infrastructure programs, but still very exciting.
ODOT is now focused on developing implementation and rulemaking, including a project application process. ODOT Rail has had some experience with this type of thing through their much smaller Industrial Rail Spur Fund program last year, but for all of ODOT, funding these types of projects will be a relatively new learning experience.
What this means in the short term for the Columbia Corridor is unclear. The Port of Portland will be applying for funds, along with interested parties throughout the state. It's likely that there will be a strong push to distribute funds throughout Oregon to generate broad support for future legislative efforts.
Given the Corridor's function in the region's and state's intermodal networks, ConnectOregon in and of itself is nothing but good news for freight movement and associated Corridor businesses.
On another positive front, the state and region scored big in the Federal transportation reauthorization bill SAFETEA-LU. Thanks to the efforts of U.S. House and Senate members from the Portland-Vancouver region, the Portland area received over $100 million in federal earmarks alone.
Corridor projects, totaling $43 million, included in the earmarks:
- Ramsey Rail Yard
- I-5 Delta-Lombard Widening
- Columbia River bridge crossing (funds to Oregon and Washington)
- Air cargo improvements near PDX
- I-205 northbound on-ramp at Airport Way
- I-84 interchange at Troutdale
There are other big winners for the region, not least of which are I-5 and statewide bridges ($200 million throughout Oregon, not geographically specified), the Sellwood Bridge ($7 million to move things forward) and Portland State University, which has been designated a National University Transportation Research Center.
Because it took so long for Congress to reach consensus, these projects will have to spend the money within the next four federal fiscal years, rather than the more usual six, which in some ways, is also good news (especially for engineering consultants).