STIF Discretionary and Statewide Transit Network Application: FY 2021-23 Applicant Information Agency Legal Name Hood River Transportation District

Agency Legal Address PO Box 1147, Hood River, Oregon 97031

Application Contact Name Application Contact Title Patricia F. Fink Executive Director

Application Contact Email Address Application Contact Phone Number [email protected] (503) 793-1256

Name of Person Signing Agreement Title of Person Signing Agreement Patricia Fink Executive Director

Email Address of Person Signing Agreement Phone Number of Person Signing Agreement [email protected] 5037931256 Agency Information 1. Transit Agency Type Transportation District

1.A Does the agency have any existing grant agreements with ODOT? Yes

2. What is the main type of service that will be supported by this award? Fixed Route

3. Would this award support ongoing operations of an existing service? Yes

3.A Operations costs of

Page 1 of 12 previous quarter $195,635.00

3.B Brief history of current project/service. What, if any, elements of the proposed project differ from existing efforts and services? Operating Costs were January - March, and reflect pre-COVID expense (does not include marketing or capital) does include pm & administrative time. CAT does not plan any significant changes to the existing service. CAT is, however, working closely with MCEDD/LINK services to increase access within The Dalles and Wasco County communities and enhance the customer experience in the Hood River - The Dalles segment. This may include a pass-through of the funds to MCEDD for the provision of some Hood River - The Dalles trips. Risk Assessment Information 4. Did your agency have any turnover of management or financial staff in the last two years? No

5. Does your agency have an accounting system that allows you to completely and accurately track the receipt and disbursement of funds related to the award? Yes

6. What type of accounting system does your agency use? Combined

7. Does your agency have a system in place that will account for 100 percent of each employee's time? Yes

8. Did your staff members attend required training and meetings during the previous biennium? Yes

9. Was your agency audited by the federal government in the past two years? No

10. Did your agency stay on budget in the past two years? Yes Agency Qualifications 11. Describe how your agency has the legal, managerial and operational capacity to perform and report on project progress within the scope, schedule and budget of the anticipated grant agreement. (Description of operational capacity should apply specifically for the workload of projects in this application.) Currently, the District is fully staffed with transit professionals. The Executive Director has over 25 years and the Operations Manager over 5 years of experience in the transit field and two field supervisors with over 30 years of combined experience. The district has a Planning & Grant Manager who works with an outside accounting firm to ensure our books meet State and Federal grant accounting requirements. Finally, we have an extensive training program for our Drivers & Dispatch to ensure that we are meeting all FTA requirements. CAT staff has successfully managed the CGE service over the past year and it is a well-established part of the workload for staff.

12. Certification of Compliance

Page 2 of 12 By checking this box, the applicant certifies that if they are awarded funding, they will meet and ensure compliance for the term of the agreement with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations including, and not limited to, those pertaining to passenger transportation, civil rights, labor, insurance, safety and health. Yes

13. Do you plan to use a Sub-Recipient or contractor to implement the grant supported activity? No

14. If you seek the 10 percent match reduction, does the project meet one or more of the four factors identified in OAR 732-044-0005(4)(a)? Select each factor that you believe is exemplified by the proposed project. Predominantly serves or provides access to and from rural communities Serves an area outside of the applicant’s geographic jurisdiction Fills a significant gap in the Statewide Transit Network Provides statewide benefits to multiple Public Transportation Service Providers outside of the area where the proposed project will be located

15. Will federal funds be used to complete this project? No Project Information 16.A Project Title Columbia Gorge Express - I84 Corridor Service

16.B Describe the project to be funded. Clearly describe what the requested fund award would be used to accomplish, detailing the specific tasks and deliverables. Where relevant, identify the origin and destination of the proposed service as well as each municipality visited along the route. Please see page 22 of program guidance for additional guidance on writing a project description. The Columbia Gorge Express (CGE), I-84 Corridor request is for funding for the operation, administrative and preventative maintenance necessary to preserve existing transit service levels in the I-84 from Portland to The Dalles including (8 RT during weekdays; 6 RT during weekends) from Hood River to Portland and (5 RT weekdays; & 2 RT weekends) from Hood River to The Dalles. This application is one of three complimentary STIF applications supporting mobility in the Gorge (Columbia Gorge Express/ I-84 Corridor; Marketing Regional Transit through GOrge Pass; Gorge Mobility Management).

CGE service will provide connections to these key destinations and transit hubs:

Gateway Transit Center - Connecting with TriMet, Portland Airport & other areas of the Portland/Vancouver Metro area;

Multnomah Falls (MF) at Exit 31 – Connecting with a highly visited site & supporting the ODOT Multnomah Falls Shuttle; ongoing collaboration with partners on the implementation of a reservation system that manages access to the site & incorporates CGE intercity & MF shuttle service;

Cascade Locks: Connecting to the Pacific Crest Trail, Historic Highway State Trail,and Skamania & Klickitat Counties in Washington (July 2021);

Hood River: Connecting to local Hood River Routes, Upper Valley communities (Odell & Parkdale), seasonally to Mt Hood (2021/22, Government Camp) and to Bingen/White Salmon in Washington;

Mosier (2X daily): Connecting to Mosier & the Historic Highway State Trail;

Page 3 of 12 The Dalles: Connecting to local The Dalles Route; Celilo Village (an indigenous community) and other Wasco areas east and south of river.

The Columbia River Gorge (Gorge) is a bi-state region composed of multiple counties in Washington and in Oregon, all bordering the Columbia River. These counties share a common workforce and a common economic foundation. Residents may live in one community but must access essential services in other Gorge communities across the river or in the greater Portland metropolitan area. CGE is the backbone for transit service in this bi-state region. CGE provides important and reliable connections between Gorge communities and from these communities to specialized services in the Portland Metro area. In the reverse, its frequent and convenient service also provides urban dwellers with access to jobs, open space, outdoor & recreational opportunities in the Gorge.

CGE, as the 2020 CGE Performance Report shows, provides car-free travel options which in turn : • Provides necessary and efficient connections between urban/rural areas • Reduces car-centric traffic • Increases community access to higher education, jobs, medical services • Diverts vehicles from the Multnomah Falls parking lot (estimated 20,750+ vehicle trips 2016-19). • Reduces congestion to Multnomah Falls despite increased traffic volume (annual vehicle hours of delay dropped by 70% 2015 – 2019) • Increases ridership (exceeded original 4-year projections and doubled intercity ridership before COVID). • Demonstrates to the Columbia Gorge Commission, land managers, and government officials an integrated urban/rural transit program can effectively meet local and statewide goals of access, mobility, climate change, congestion relief.

In November 2019, CAT successfully launched CGE service, after assuming operational control from ODOT. CAT also expanded focus to serve commuter, tourist and residents’ needs through increased frequency of service (priority for transit connections & ridership). CAT also successfully decreased costs (key element for funding partners) while stimulating investment in local transit services on both sides of the river (key benefit for Gorge residents).

CAT exceeded initial ridership targets and was well-positioned to meet its 2nd quarter ridership goals when COVID hit. Despite the pandemic and subsequent operational adaptations (reservations, masking), CAT has maintained ridership throughout the crisis with ridership steadily increasing over the summer, showing the critical need of the program. While no one anticipates a return to pre-pandemic ridership levels until early summer of 2021, CGE will continue providing essential service for both residents and tourists

CGE is shaping how land use and economic development occurs within Gorge communities. The Gorge partners have begun developing a regional transit strategy, are working with land managers on innovative access management options & addressing regional sustainability & natural resource protection goals. Existing transit service levels are a key part of this plan.

In short, by fully funding the CGE & the 2 MCEDD projects, the State can maintain a key intercity link, offer improved Gorge access; address program marketing, ensure those who benefit from rural services pay a fair share, and move forward with a regional transit strategy and equitable bi-state funding options.

17. What Local Plans include this project or elements of the project? Be specific in the citation of the Local Plans. 1. Hood River Transit Master Plan (2017) 2. Hood River County Transportation District Coordinated Transportation Plan (2020) 3. Wasco County County Transportation District Coordinated Transportation Plan (2020) 4. Columbia River Gorge Transit Study (2016)

Page 4 of 12 5. Columbia Gorge Express Near-Term Service Plan (2017) 6.1st Memo Existing Vision MCEDD Regional Transit Strategy (2020)

18. Please provide specific page(s) of the Local Plan(s) where project or funding need is listed. 1=page 6-9 &,6-10; 2= page 26; 3=Page 8 & 9; 4= pages 1-5 & throughout; 5=pages 2.1 & throughout; 6= map attachment

19. What is the minimum grant amount that will still allow your project to proceed? $1,000,000.00

20. Select the fund source(s) for which you would like to compete and that you believe your project is eligible to receive. Check all that apply. STIF Intercommunity Discretionary

21. Rank the fund sources in the order of preference with 1 being first choice and 3 being the last choice. STIF Discretionary No Preference STIF Intercommunity Discretionary 1 FTA Section 5311(f) Intercity No Preference

22. Why is this an important project? What are the consequences of this project not receiving funding? CGE is critical to regional mobility and access in the Gorge. Communities on both sides of the River rely on CGE to: Connect their residents to jobs, shopping, medical, social services, recreational opportunities, and affordable housing in rural and Portland Metro communities

Ensure the Gorge's burgeoning high-tech industry can recruit and retain a skilled, trained workforce from metro area that is not currently available in these rural communities;

Offer car-free options for 2.5 million annual Gorge visitors with the direct impact of reducing congestion, overcrowding, managed parking, and access at popular trailheads, and within communities.

Support the ODOT Multnomah Falls Shuttle future planning for Exit 31, Falls and Historic Highway Corridor access and parking/access management.

If the service were not funded or not fully funded regional access and mobility (as outlined above) in the Gorge would suffer. Further, as the backbone of the regional service network, a reduction in CGE services would likely damper the momentum for local planning and investment in transit and its role in Gorge goals around federal land access management, climate change mitigation, affordable housing, economic development, COVID recovery, and sustainability.

23. Will this project involve breaking ground or any other activity that might require environmental review per federal requirements? No Oregon Transportation Commission Investment

Page 5 of 12 Priorities Equity and Public Transportation Service to Low-Income Households 24. Describe how this project would support and improve access for vulnerable populations and/or historically marginalized communities. Vulnerable populations in the Gorge rely on the transit to meet their daily needs. As the backbone for transit in the Gorge, CGE is able to offer frequent connections between regional destinations and local communities in the Gorge and is a critical piece of mobility and access to jobs, educational opportunities, medical appointments or other trips in the Gorge or Portland for communities like: • Cascade Locks, where 4 in 10 households live at 200% or less of federal poverty standards; • Odell (connected through local transit services in Hood River) where 7 of 10 households are Hispanic; • The Dalles (served directly by CGE) where 2 in 10 people are over the age of 65; or • The indigenous community of Celilo Village (connected through local services in The Dalles).

There is a strong shared labor market inside and outside the Gorge and CGE offers critical linkages for residents to jobs in neighboring communities and Portland, which in turn helps solve an issue for larger employers in the Gorge who find transportation a key issue to retain and recruit workers for their worksites. Because of the CGE services, CAT has been able to secure employer-paid employee pass programs at over 10 worksites within Hood River county.

In addition to jobs, the 2019 Community Health Survey, found that transportation is a key determinate of health in the Gorge. Transportation is the highest unmet need of all basic needs among households in the Gorge..The study showed that as many as 12% of households surveyed in the Gorge region may go without critical services due to a lack of access. This number rises to 19% for diverse communities and 26% for low-income households. The Gorge region is sponsoring three Gorge STIF grant applications (CGE, regional marketing of the GOrge Pass, regional mobility management program to identify community partnerships for employer-paid and free fare programs) to offer unique support for these barriers to mobility.

Finally, there is clear evidence CGE provides access to recreational opportunities for low-income populations in the Portland Metro area. An on-board survey in 2018 found that 16% of all riders boarding in Portland earned less than $25K/year and 50% did not have access to a vehicle. Coordination of Public Transportation Services 25. Describe how this project would improve the passenger experience, benefit multiple transit providers, or involve consolidation, coordination, or resource sharing between agencies, including use of transportation data and technology. Since its inception, the Columbia Gorge Express (CGE) has been a collaboration of many local, state, federal and nonprofit agencies including, but not limited to, USFS, FHWA, Oregon State Parks, Travel Oregon, Friends of the Gorge, Gorge Tourism Alliance, Gorge Transit Providers, TriMet, Gorge communities, Multnomah, Hood River, Skamania, Klickitat and Wasco Counties, Mid-Columbia Economic Development District and multiple others. These partners have been working together for four years to manage and support CGE operations.

CAT and partners MCEDD, ODOT, and WSDOT have embarked on a regional transit strategy & vision for the Gorge. This vision stems from the multiple transit plans that make up the Gorge (map attached) and is based on a coordinated and comprehensive network of transit in the Gorge with the CGE service as its core foundation.

Page 6 of 12 This collaboration has energized transit and helped foster the following investments in Gorge transit services (all of which support and are supported by the CGE Intercity Services): • Evening & Saturday service in Hood River & The Dalles (2019) • Gorge to Mountain Winter Service (2019) • The Dalles City Fixed-Route Service (2019) and Expansion (2020) • Klickitat County Mount Adams Transit Fixed-Route Service (2019) • Grant Application for Skamania County’s Cascade Locks to Stevenson to Bingen/White Salmon (2020)

In addition, the collaboration is moving toward integrating a regional fixed-route fare program called the GOrge Pass and is seeking funds to market the services and the pass this year (see complementary STIF grant application: Regional Marketing of Transit through GOrge Pass Sales).

Finally, CAT & MCEDD have been working with partners to integrate land use and transit goals forming new partnerships and opportunities with the Federal Legislative Staff, USFS, ODOT, the Columbia River Gorge Commission, and many of the communities on the north and south side of the river. Almost none of this could have happened without the strong partnerships, funding levels, and commitments that have supported the CGE and other transit projects in the Gorge. Environmental and Public Health 26. Describe how this project would go beyond providing an alternative to personal car use to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce pollution, and/or support positive health outcomes. As noted above, CGE has already proven its ability to take cars off the road and reduce carbon emission, (CGE performance report card: CGE diverted an estimated 20,750+ vehicle trips to Multnomah Falls from 2016-19; annual vehicle hours of delay near Exit 31 dropped by 70% between 2015 – 2019; exceeded ridership projections for destinations east of Multnomah Falls 2018-2019). In addition to immediate results, the frequent and reliable CGE services are offering land managers cities and counties ways to rethink natural resource & access management, land use, and zoning as well as parking management and congestion efforts throughout the Gorge. Some examples include trailhead permit program (Dog Mountain), parking permits (Multnomah Falls), TOD planning (Cascade Locks); TDM strategies (downtown Hood River); transit hub/development (Hood River Port); Car-Free Tourism promotion (Columbia Gorge Tourism Alliance) and the development of a long-range vision and strategy for the regional transit system (MCEDD & Gorge Partners).

Because the State has made this substantial investment in the key State Transit Network link in the Gorge (I-84, CGE) it has shown local decision-makers that there are viable and effective transportation/land use options for local communities, that local investments in alternative & active modes of transportation will be supported by good regional connections and that long-term efforts to preserve natural areas, ensure job growth and secure new affordable housing options are viable. This clearly shows how investing in CGE has offered not only immediate options for Gorge residents and visitors but has also offered substantive movement in the region’s ability to mitigate, adapt and achieve a new vision for a sustainable land use/transportation strategy. Safety, Security, and Community Livability 27. Describe how the project would increase use and participation in active transportation, including public transportation. CGE has been designed to help the Gorge build a robust and expanding system throughout the region. The frequency and reliability of CGE has created a key selling point for high tech industries, recreational based, and other cutting-edge businesses to locate or expand their footprint in the Gorge. This coupled with CGE’s direct connections to a large and eligible workforce, improved access to affordable residential

Page 7 of 12 growth opportunities and outdoor recreational activities has allowed transit to be seen as a way for land managers, local communities and to meet their access management, local livability, and sustainability goals.

In addition, the establishment of transfer hubs within the Gorge has created the opportunity for new active transportation options. Forth is in the process of launching a new electric car-sharing program with the City of Hood River; local taxi programs have expanded to assist with late evening travel and the City of Cascade Locks and Hood River have established new bike routes near the hubs.

28. Describe how the project would support and improve safety of passengers in transit vehicles and safety of other roadway users. According to the US Forest Service, the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area hosts over 2 million visitors a year. It is estimated that over 60% of these visitors come from a travel radius of 50 miles or less. This strong connection between Portland and Gorge recreational areas is felt acutely during peak summer days and school/national holidays during the spring and fall. I-84 traffic and SR 14 traffic in Washington double traffic volumes on these freeways during these times (ODOT/WSDOT traffic counts). Congestion issues have led to the closing of Exit 31 (Multnomah Falls) as people line up in freeway lanes to look for limited parking options. These issues are compounded by drivers making unsafe driving decision, illegal parking at/near trailheads, and people waiting for parking spaces to turn over. WSDOT reports similar issues at popular trailheads on SR 14, including at Dog Mountain where two fatalities and other safety concerns required the implementation of a visitor permit to park and hike the trail during peak wildflower months. Recreational sites, however, are not the only areas in the Gorge to be affected, Traffic and parking management studies in local Gorge towns indicate the negative consequences of car-oriented visitor travel on the access and livability of their communities. Some have explored the opportunities to invest millions in parking structures, traffic calming, or close off sections of their downtown to vehicles all together. The unique reality of this situation is that one localized fix within the Gorge simply pushes the issue to other trailheads, other communities, or other parts of town without recognizing the interrelationship between urban and rural; interstate travel, or intra-gorge dependency. As outlined in the CGE Performance Report Card. CGE can and does have an impact on addressing both safety and access issues in the Gorge including: • CGE successfully divert vehicles from the Exit 31 parking lot (CGE diverted an estimated 20,750+ vehicle trips from MF from 2016-19). • CGE service (intercity + shuttle) reduces congestion around Exit 31, despite increasing visitation levels (annual vehicle hours of delay near Exit 31 dropped by 70% between 2015 – 2019) • Vehicle crashes around Exit 31 on I-84 were down in 2019 compared to 2015 and 2016. • Ridership to Cascade Locks and Hood River has exceeded projections, demonstrating that there is a growing demand for transit in the corridor. Statewide Transit Network Connections 29. Describe how this project would support and improve the utility and connectivity of the Statewide Transit Network and/or create a foundation for future Statewide Transit Network improvements. The CGE service is a part of the Statewide Transit Network. Without CGE public transit service between Portland, Cascade Locks, Hood River, The Dalles would be limited and daily access to many of the small communities throughout the Gorge would be non-existent. The continued funding for CGE lays the foundation for future improvements to the public transit network in the I-84 between the communities of The Dalles and Arlington. It also offers the opportunity to support continued investment between Hood River and Government Camp on Hwys 35/26 and may spur future investment in SR14 in Washington. Funding and Strategic Investment

Page 8 of 12 30. Describe how the project match requirements will be met or exceeded. Describe why investment in this project makes sense from both the perspective of current need and long term Oregon transit needs. CAT will provide all project match requirements from its reserve funds. The amount of match is readily available. Additional match requirements will be recovered through fares & the sale of the GOrge Pass. While we believe this program is critical of the access and mobility of our residents, the project also offers substantial benefits to Portland Metro residents, reinforces the State's greenhouse gas emission goals, and supports USFS's & Gorge Commission's access management goals. We believe this project and the funding of the other two related MCEDD projects offer a credible, comprehensive, and strategic investment for ODOT and local, state, and federal goals.

31. If this project will last beyond the 2021-23 biennium, describe the plan for ongoing funding including match. If not applicable, type N/A. While this grant application is critical for the gorge regional transit network, the Marketing the Gorge Regional Transit System through GOrge Pass application is critical for the long-term sustainability of the CGE services. The project's primary goals are to use marketing, public relations, and outreach to businesses, transit partners, and tourism partners to increase awareness, access, ridership, and sales of the GOrge Pass (GP) and the regional transit network. Secondary goals are to enhance the sustainability of transit services in the Gorge and along the I-84 corridor through the GP, and to establish transit as an important player in the post-pandemic recovery and future of the Gorge.

In July 2021, four Gorge transit providers and ODOT’s Multnomah Falls Shuttle will become part of the annual GP program. The low-cost GP (under $50 for adults) is valid for any fixed-route service in Hood River and Wasco Counties (OR), and Skamania and Klickitat Counties (WA). These services connect to the Portland Metro area for commuters and tourists. See attached map.

The GP will tie into local recovery efforts by offering and promoting discounts at local Gorge businesses, coordinating with Ready Set Gorge on transit-to-trail adventures, and identifying new business opportunities (e-bikes, sack lunches, hiking or biking tours, etc.) to support car-free access around the Gorge. The GP will work in partnership with local land managers and governments to use a portion of the proceeds to support programs (trailhead ambassadors, search and rescue, etc) hit by the pandemic. The Gorge Transit Marketing program’s coordination will also improve intercity and regional connections for riders through the I-84 corridor.

This project will launch a full-on 2021-22 GP marketing campaign in November 2021 (to dovetail with the Gorge-to-Mountain Winter Route & Mount Hood Meadows Pass Sales) & run through the 2022-23 season. The project is based on the successful NW Connector program on Oregon's north coast and is designed to garner enough pass sales in the Gorge & Portland Region each year to ensure the sustainability of the service into the future.

32. Does this project depend on other funding sources including other discretionary grants whose outcomes are uncertain? If yes, please list those fund sources. If not applicable, type N/A. N/A 33. Capital Asset Purchases Describe proposed capital purchases. If no capital assets are included in your application, type N/A. None, we have all the necessary equipment to continue successful operation at existing levels. Project Details Task Category

Page 9 of 12 Operating Project Administration Preventive Maintenance Project Administration Total Task Cost (Grant Amount + Match Amount) Are matching funds if the project is awarded? $165,600.00 Yes

Percent of funds used for fixed route transportation 100% Project Task and Match Amounts 20% Match Rate Calculations

Grant Amount - STIF Discretionary/STIF Match Amount - STIF Discretionary/STIF Intercommunity/5311f (80% State/Fed Share) Intercommunity/5311f (20% Local Share) $132,480.00 $33,120.00 10% Match Rate Calculations (For Qualified Applicants)

Grant Amount - STIF Discretionary/STIF Match Amount - STIF Discretionary/STIF Intercommunity (90% State Share) Intercommunity (10% Local Share) $149,040.00 $16,560.00 Operating Total Task Cost (Grant Amount + Match Amount) Are matching funds available if the project is $1,100,000.00 awarded? Yes

Percent of funds used for fixed route transportation 100% Project Task and Match Amounts 20% Match Rate Calculations

Grant Amount - STIF Discretionary/STIF Match Amount - STIF Discretionary/STIF Intercommunity (80% State Share) Intercommunity (20% Local Share) $880,000.00 $220,000.00 10% Match Rate Calculations (For Qualified

Page 10 of 12 Applicants)

Grant Amount - STIF Discretionary/STIF Match Amount - STIF Discretionary/STIF Intercommunity (90% State Share) Intercommunity (10% Local Share) $990,000.00 $110,000.00 Preventive Maintenance Total Task Cost (Grant Amount + Match Amount) Are matching funds available if the project is $59,500.00 awarded? Yes

Percent of funds used for fixed route transportation 100% Project Task and Match Amounts 20% Match Rate Calculations

Grant Amount - STIF Discretionary/STIF Match Amount - STIF Discretionary/STIF Intercommunity/5311f (80% State/Fed Share) Intercommunity/5311f (20% Local Share) $47,600.00 $11,900.00 10% Match Rate Calculations (For Qualified Applicants)

Grant Amount - STIF Discretionary/STIF Match Amount - STIF Discretionary/STIF Intercommunity (90% State Share) Intercommunity (10% Local Share) $53,550.00 $5,950.00 Application Totals Match Sources Match Sources Amount Local $325,000.00

Note on Application Totals: If applying for 5311(f) Operating, a 50% match rate is applied to identified Operating costs. However, the application form automatically applies a 20% match rate to the full Project Cost, including Operating costs. Therefore, Section 5311(f) applicants should ensure the accuracy of the Total Task Cost for each Task Category, as the 20% match rate will only apply to non-Operating costs in a 5311(f) grant award. The form is unable to calculate an accurate application total using two different match rates. 20% Match Rate Calculations

Page 11 of 12 Grant Amount Match Amount $1,060,080.00 $265,020.00 10% Match Rate Calculations (For Qualified Applicants)

Grant Amount Match Amount $1,192,590.00 $132,510.00

Document Upload (Optional) Signed_Translink_Letter_of_Support_.pdf Transit Vision w_o ped.pdf COVER LETTER STIF.pdf

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