REGION 1 AREA COMMISSION ON TRANSPORTATION (R1ACT) Meeting Summary Feb. 3, 2020, Portland, Oregon

REVISED 8/3/200 Attendees: Bill Avison, Steve Callaway, Zack Culver, Jon Davies, Craig Dirksen, Denny Doyle, Markley Drake, Hau Hagedorn, Erick Haynie, Jerry Hinton Brian Hodson, Jess Groves, Theresa Kohlhoff, Sumi Malik, Bill Merchant, Mike Oates, Megan Ramey, Roy Rogers, Paul Savas, Gery Schirado, Pam Treece, Jessica Vega Pederson, Chris Warner, Pia Welch, Rian Windsheimer, Philip Wu

Absent: Bernie Bottomley, Doug Kelsey, Jason Snider, Ivo Trummer Welcome, Introductions, and Agenda Review Region 1 ACT (R1ACT) Chair Roy Rogers called the meeting to order and facilitated self- introductions. Rian Windsheimer, ODOT Region 1 Manager, introduced Della Mosier, ODOT Deputy Director of the Urban Mobility Office and Lucinda Broussard, ODOT Tolling Program Manager.

Public Comment Chair Rogers invited public comment. Eric Chaney expressed concern regarding increasing costs of living and how tolling could affect those costs. He recognized the need for roadway expansion and encouraged the R1ACT to consider rerouting effects, the financial impacts to poor people, and for tolls to be considered for a vote.

Commission Administration - Commissioner Roy Rogers, Chair 1. Action: Approval of meeting summary from December 2 meeting – R1ACT Vice-chair Paul Savas and Mayor Jerry Schirado motioned to approve the December 2 meeting summary and the motion passed.

Rose Quarter Cost to Complete Report – Oregon Transportation Chair Bob Van Brocklin, ODOT Rose Quarter Director Megan Channell, Consultant Team Project Manager Mike Baker Bob Van Brocklin, Oregon Transportation Commission (OTC) Chair, explained the basis of the Rose Quarter Project outlined in House Bill 2017 (HB 2017) to address congestion and safety. As directed by HB 2017, ODOT completed a cost-to-complete report to update the preliminary estimates provided in 2017. The project is now estimated at $265 to $295 million over the previous cost estimate. The reasons for cost increases include inflation, construction changes, and preliminary engineering costs.

R1ACT Meeting Summary February 3, 2020 Page 2

OTC Chair Van Brocklin discussed the state of congestion on Interstate 5 through the Rose Quarter Project area and compared it to other freeway facilities in the state and nation. Funds for the Rose Quarter Project will be available in 2022 and construction could begin in 2023. Cost-to-Complete Report Megan Channell, ODOT Rose Quarter Project Director, provided an overview of the Rose Quarter Cost-to-Complete report and an overview of the project’s needs and benefits. Project benefits include:

• Saving 2.5 million hours of delay • Up to 50 percent reduction in crashes • Creating new connections over I-5 • Serving as a catalyst for near-term jobs and future development History of the Project Channell reviewed the project history and how the project team collaboratively engaged the City of Portland and many community advisory groups to evaluate over 70 design concepts. These design concepts informed the development of the current project scope. Channell reviewed the current project scope and that the OTC directed the project team to conduct an independent, third-party consultant assessment of the highway covers. Cost Estimating Mike Baker, Consultant Team Project Manager, described the cost estimate process and noted that the project is transitioning from a planning-level cost estimate process to a design-and- construction cost estimate. Baker outlined the reasons for cost increases, including inflation, construction changes, and preliminary engineering costs. Further project schedule delays will cause increased projects costs from inflation. Megan Channell described ODOT’s funding approach. R1ACT Vice-chair Paul Savas asked whether the cost of the highway covers accommodated buildings. Channell explained that preliminary estimates for covers that would accommodate buildings would be $200 to $500 million.

I-5 and Interstate 205 Tolling Program – Mandy Putney, ODOT Region 1 Policy and Development Manager Mandy Putney, ODOT R1 Policy and Development Manager, provided an update on the I-5 and I-205 Tolling Projects (Tolling Projects), including the following topics:

• The OTC directed the ODOT to move ahead with developing the Tolling Projects on I-5 and I-205 and to convene an Equity and Mobility Advisory Committee (EMAC). R1ACT Meeting Summary February 3, 2020 Page 3

• The Tolling Projects sequence begins with the I-205 environmental review process while ODOT continues planning and preliminary National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) work on the I-5 Project.

• ODOT is convening two technical working groups (the Regional Modeling Group and the Transit/Multimodal Working Group) and will continue to coordinate on pricing projects and studies being conducted by regional partners.

• Revenue collected via tolling is subject to Highway Trust Fund conditions. The OTC will set the toll rates as part of a separate effort in the future. OTC Chair Van Brocklin explained the statute within HB 2017 that mandated tolling directive and the resulting Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) approvals. Tolling Decision-Making Structure

Putney discussed the decision-making structure regarding tolling. OTC is the designated tolling authority in Oregon and will determine tolling policy and set future toll rates. The Tolling Projects team will work with OTC to finalize the Equity Framework and Tolling Projects goals and objectives. The Value Pricing Feasibility Analysis (VFPA) completed extensive public outreach and engagement. The Tolling Projects team will implement a similarly robust outreach and engagement plan with an emphasis on equity and mobility. In addition to the R1ACT, technical working groups, and regional partner agencies will help inform the OTC. Region 1 ACT Role

Putney discussed the role the R1ACT will serve on the Tolling Projects. The R1ACT will provide recommendations on a range of alternatives and mobility strategies for OTC’s consideration. The R1ACT will review and comment on the Equity Framework prior to releasing it to the public. Finally, the Tolling Projects team and OTC will rely on the R1ACT to represent the perspectives of their respective constituents and to encourage their communities to participate in outreach and engagement activities. Local Agency and Local Official Engagement

Putney summarized the local agency outreach strategy, which includes the following:

• Providing briefings to local elected officials as requested by the respective jurisdictions.

• Presenting at council meetings with workshops to help jurisdictions think through the Projects. R1ACT Meeting Summary February 3, 2020 Page 4

• Coordinating outreach to specific geographic areas.

Incorporating Equity

Putney described ODOT’s approach to addressing equity on the Tolling Projects. ODOT’s equity approach is centered on both process and outcome equity and the EMAC will play a critical implementation role. The Tolling Projects have accomplished the following:

• Conducted equity training for the Projects staff and developed a draft Equity Framework to guide the implementation of framework. The EMAC will finalize the draft Equity Framework.

• Planned targeted engagement activities to engage with and include voices of historically underserved communities.

• Contracted with TransForm to provide equity related expertise to the Tolling Projects team. Tolling Projects Milestones

Putney discussed the milestones for the Tolling Projects, including the NEPA process for the I- 205 Tolling Project. The Tolling Projects team is currently engaging stakeholders to ensure that there is agreement on the range of alternatives, and purpose and need statement. The final NEPA document will take about 2 years and will be the FHWA’s decision to finalize and move forward. OTC Chair Van Brocklin added:

• Tolling is brand new for Oregon. In 2018, ODOT requested permission from the FHWA to toll on I-5 and I-205. The FHWA expects tolling to happen now that it has granted permission.

• The EMAC will be made up of experts in equity and mobility and will lend that expertise to the Tolling Projects team to determine what steps and actions to take.

• The R1ACT will act as an advisory committee as well as hold public comment sessions. The Tolling Projects team will rely on the R1ACT to be an active partner in this project.

• ODOT hired a Tolling Manager, Lucinda Broussard. Lucinda brings with her extensive tolling experience from across the county, including Seattle and Atlanta.

Commissioner Pam Treece asked if there is coordination between Get Moving 2020 and the tolling efforts. Putney assured coordination with those projects as Metro determines timelines for the Get Moving 2020 measure. Commissioner Treece wants to ensure the public realizes that the two projects are different. R1ACT Meeting Summary February 3, 2020 Page 5

Mayor Callaway expressed the need for better understanding of why tolls are needed for revenue and how the revenue would be used and if tolls would end by a certain date. Putney responded that there is no timeframe to end tolls. She added that there is not a sustainable revenue source given the declining gas tax revenues. Tolling will address regional traffic congestion and mobility challenges and fund bottleneck relief projects. The State of Oregon is exploring tolling as part of a comprehensive approach to better manage congestion in the tri- county metropolitan area. Mayor Callaway noted that if the gas tax is responsible for declining revenue, it seems that the tax should be corrected or imposed on electric vehicles, rather than implement tolling. OTC Chair Van Brocklin responded the state is looking at a variety of ways to raise revenue. The state has a legislatively mandated project to seek approval for the tolling program. We want to ensure that those people who live here feel those benefits, and those that don’t live here can send their goods and services here or through here. Councilor Craig Dirksen asked if I-205 and I-5 will be studied separately. Putney responded the equity work will overlap both corridors. However, it will be faster to enter the NEPA process for the I-205 Tolling Project first. There are more questions for the I-5 Tolling Project that require more time to answer. Councilor Dirksen asked if both toll projects would begin at the same time or different times. Putney replied that agency would need to set up a tolling back office and construct tolling infrastructure that will guide possible timing for implementation. The NEPA milestones for the Projects are still being considered. At this time, the tolling team has more clarity on the NEPA process for I-205 Project. Dirksen followed up wondering if one corridor is studied at a time, how would ODOT understand the effects of diversion on the entire system. Putney replied that ODOT will rely on the Metro models to understand the effects of tolling. ODOT will apply the Metro model to the I-205 project once the details are understood. She added that Metro is working on their own congestion pricing project, which will help answer this question. Merchant inquired how rural citizens will be engaged in the tolling process and asked for the team to consider reaching out to rural citizens in the equity work. Putney agreed and added the EMAC will focus on social equity in terms of race and income and they will include all counties. Putney acknowledged the challenges in reaching out to rural areas. In general people are very busy and convincing people to engage in one more thing is a challenge. ODOT committed to bringing in more communities and welcomed additional advice on how to reach rural communities. Hau Hagedorn asked if inflation is being considered for construction costs. Putney responded that the tolling work will include a financial analysis that will study the potential to raise revenue; R1ACT Meeting Summary February 3, 2020 Page 6 however, this process will not determine how to use the funds. OTC Chair Van Brocklin added that Commission established a mega-projects office here because the state is facing projects of the size and scale that are unprecedented. Megan Ramey noted that the EMAC should include experts in behavioral change to determine what kind of communal change the Projects are trying to create. Commissioner Jess Groves asked how the passing of cap-and-trade legislation would affect tolling. OTC Chair Van Brocklin replied the Commission is tracking the legislation and will consider how it will affect revenue flow. Per the current bill, the majority of the resources would go through the Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation (JPACT) for distribution. Commissioner Jessica Vega Pederson asked if the R1ACT will serve as the policy advisory group for tolling projects. Putney replied that ODOT will engage the R1ACT and other existing regional policy groups. The agency is looking at a process that lasts for several years and is trying to be thoughtful about potential time constraints to avoid stakeholder burn-out. Vice-chair Savas commented the Projects are in two different areas. I-5 has a lot of transportation options, but I-205 does not have the same level of services. He asked if the money raised be used to increase transportation options around I-205 or will that money be used to fund things elsewhere in the metro area. Putney replied that the agency formed the Transit/Multimodal Working Group, which includes multiple Clackamas County providers, to see where those service gaps are. This will help us figure out how transit might fill some of these gaps.

Next Meeting Date and Adjournment Chair Rogers ended the meeting, noting that the remaining agenda items will be addressed either via email or at the April R1 ACT meeting. The next meeting is set for April 6, 2020. REGION 1 AREA COMMISSION ON TRANSPORTATION (R1ACT) Meeting Summary June 1, 2020, Portland, Oregon

Meeting held via Zoom webinar Attendees: Andi Howell, Bill Avison, Bill Merchant, Brian Hodson, Craig Dirksen, Denny Doyle, Dr. Philip Wu, Erick Haynie, Gery Schirado, Hau Hagedorn, Jason Snider, Jerry Hinton, Jess Groves, Jessica Vega Pederson, Markley Drake, Megan Ramey, Mike Oates, Noah Siegel (for Chris Warner), Pam Treece, Paul Savas, Pia Welch, Rian Windsheimer, Roy Rogers, Steve Callaway, Theresa Kohlhoff, Bernie Bottomly (for Doug Kelsey)

Absent: Chris Warner, Doug Kelsey, Ivo Trummer, Jon Davies, Sumi Malik, Zack Culver Welcome, Introductions, and Agenda Review Region 1 ACT (R1ACT) Chair Roy Rogers called the meeting to order and asked new participants to introduce themselves. Mandy Putney introduced Noah Siegel who is sitting in for Chris Warner at Portland Bureau of Transportation. Andi Howell, the new rural transit representative, introduced herself. February 3, 2020 Meeting Summary - Commissioner Roy Rogers, Chair Bill Avison requested correction to the minutes from the previous meeting to show that he was in attendance. Hau Hagedorn requested that the meeting summary be amended to reflect the increase in the I-5 Rose Quarter Project “cost to complete.” She noted the project is now estimated at $265 to $295 million over the original cost estimate. Paul Savas said while corrections can be made, the meeting minutes need to reflect what was discussed in the meeting regardless of whether the information is complete or incomplete. Chair Rogers asked ODOT staff propose language to reflect the changes Hagedorn is requesting so that the group can address it at the next meeting. Rural Transit Representative Action: Motion to appoint Andi Howell to the R1ACT as the rural transit representative. Paul Savas motioned to appoint Andi Howell. Bill Avison seconded the motion. The Commission unanimously approved Andi Howell for appointment to the R1ACT.

Public Comment Chair Roy Rogers invited participants to provide public comment. Megan Ramey, active transportation representative, read a statement from the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) regarding COVID-19 relief. Ramey read in the statement that COVID-19 has changed the ways we move in the world. Physical and social distancing requires that we reallocate our street and sidewalks for public use. Ramey asked if

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REGION 1 AREA COMMISSION ON TRANSPORTATION (R1ACT) Meeting Summary June 1, 2020, Portland, Oregon

ODOT would consider a way for Hood River restaurants to use sidewalks and streets to operate their businesses using social distancing standards. Chair Rogers asked either Rian Windsheimer or Mandy Putney to follow up on the request. Windsheimer said the City of Portland is doing something similar with their streets. ODOT received this request and is discussing the possibility of how to approach this in coordination with local city agencies. Commission Administration Windsheimer notified the commission that Phil Ditzler, of Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Division Administrator for Oregon, has requested to participate in the R1ACT meetings as an ex officio member. Ditzler would be the point person to work through any issues with FHWA on tolling. Jessica Vega Pederson and Paul Savas both expressed support in having Phil Ditzler as a member of the R1ACT. Chair Rogers agreed and asked for a show of thumbs up to support the addition. He noted no one present voiced opposition. Phil Ditzler will be invited to the next R1ACT Meeting.

Federal Funding Update Trevor Sleeman, Federal Affairs Advisor with ODOT, provided an overview of federal legislation and funding. COVID-19 Relief

• The CARES Act included $25 billion in relief funding for transit. Some of the funding in the CARES Act backstopped Amtrak losses. Ridership in April for Amtrak was down by 95 percent. • American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) has requested $50 billion in funding in immediate relief. States would be allowed to use this funding as revenue with federal restrictions lifted to backfill losses to state DOTs. • AASHTO also requested to double FAST Act funding over the next 5 years which would equate to over $600 billion. • The House of Representatives passed the HEROES Act, which included an additional $15 billion for certain transit agencies. • The FAST Act is set to expire this year on September 30th. Congressman DeFazio may release a reauthorization bill. Paul Savas asked if the proposed funding is enough to carry transit agencies through any reasonable time until there is a cure for COVID-19. He also asked if there was an estimate for how much ridership would come back after the crisis. Bernie Bottomly mentioned that Congressman DeFazio is planning to release the bill this week. Bottomly followed up on Sleeman’s comment about the transit bill, which will include

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REGION 1 AREA COMMISSION ON TRANSPORTATION (R1ACT) Meeting Summary June 1, 2020, Portland, Oregon

opportunities for projects to compete for highway program funds. Many ODOT projects would be eligible. He also mentioned the HEROES Act would allocate $11.75 billion to the largest metropolitan areas in the country regardless of the size of their transit systems. Bottomly expressed some concern about the allocation of these funds based on population. I-5 and I-205 Toll Projects Update Welcome and Project Updates Windsheimer introduced Brendan Finn, Director of the Office of Urban Mobility (OUM) at ODOT, and Lucinda Broussard, Toll Program Director, also at ODOT. Broussard provided an overview of committee structure and the role of the R1ACT in relation to the Oregon Transportation Commission (OTC) and the process in which input will be requested of the commission. Broussard reported on recent and upcoming public outreach communications and gave a brief update about the I-205 Travel Preference Survey. The Survey is paused until fall due to changes in traffic patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Broussard provided more information about the 15-member Equity and Mobility Advisory Committee (EMAC), which includes OTC Vice Chair Simpson and Phil Ditzler of FHWA. The EMAC will be tasked with providing input to the OTC, creating a definition for equity in tolling and implementing an equity framework. She also summarized the key concerns from stakeholders and community members. Lucinda Broussard emphasized the importance of understanding impacts to low income communities. She described steps the project team will take to engage community members of all income levels. She also explained that ODOT is looking at the potential for mode shifts to transit and explained the collaboration with the project’s Transit and Multi-Modal Working Group, with specific focus on Clackamas County for the I-205 corridor. Diversion is another identified concern. The project team will share results of traffic analysis later this year that will help answer questions. Pia Welch asked whether there will be an impact to business and if businesses will pay tolls. Heather Wills, WSP Project Manager, said the project team will analyze whether businesses will be affected by tolls. Brian Hodson asked whether the Travel Preference Survey had been paused because of the number of responses and its statistical significance. Broussard said the survey was closed because the of traffic patterns impacted by COVID-19.

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REGION 1 AREA COMMISSION ON TRANSPORTATION (R1ACT) Meeting Summary June 1, 2020, Portland, Oregon

Paul Savas suggested a change to a slide regarding Clackamas County transit providers. Savas suggested that the wording clarify that TriMet would be the provider of future service on I-205, not Clackamas County. Noah Siegel clarified that while terminology has shifted from “value pricing” to “tolling,” variable pricing needs to be emphasized as it was originally set out in House Bill 2017. He also said there needs to be a focus on the whole system. Lucinda Broussard said that the project team is still pursuing variable pricing. Brendan Finn said the OTC shares Noah Siegel’s comments on a system-wide approach and the use of variable pricing. Using slides, Heather Wills presented NEPA milestones, draft concepts for the project purpose and need, and goals and objectives for the I-205 Toll Project. Wills said the project team has reached out to local agencies on the draft goals and objectives and described some of the input received and how it has been incorporated. Wills provided an overview of next steps for the I-205 Toll Project, which include further revisions to the draft Purpose and Need Statement before a 45-day public comment period starting this summer. I-5 Toll Project Wills introduced the I-5 Toll Project and explained the Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) process, in which work on the alternatives is done before the NEPA process starts. The team receives feedback from stakeholders and the public and that feedback is then used as the project moves forward into NEPA. She also discussed some PEL milestones. During the Value Pricing Feasibility Analysis (VPFA) implementing a toll on all lanes on I-5 between Going Street and Alberta Street to Multnomah Boulevard was identified as the most promising (Concept B). Implementing tolls to roadways without also building more capacity is a new concept in the United States. I-205 Alternatives Analysis Mat Dolata, WSP, provided an overview of the I-205 alternatives under consideration. Dolata said five I-205 preliminary alternatives are being screened based on the concept that was advanced from the VPFA (Concept E), which would implement a toll on the Abernethy Bridge. These alternatives will be studied for impacts at key locations at different times of day. A smaller set of alternatives will be recommended to advance to the NEPA process. Effects to transit and how behavior may change are also included in the modeling and analysis. There are also assumptions about toll rates in the modeling. In the screening alternatives, analysis will include identified areas for possible rerouting at peak hours. Dolata emphasized the importance of receiving input on the Evaluation Criteria from the R1ACT, JPACT, Technical Working Groups, and the EMAC. He provided a list of performance measures for initial screening, which will be distributed to members for comment.

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REGION 1 AREA COMMISSION ON TRANSPORTATION (R1ACT) Meeting Summary June 1, 2020, Portland, Oregon

What’s Next? Lucinda Broussard invited R1ACT members to contact her if they would like the Toll Projects Team to attend to attend any meetings and provide a briefing. Comments and questions on the I-5 and I-205 Toll Projects Hau Hagedorn asked how the project timing lines up with the Rose Quarter Project and the I- 205 Widening Project. Heather Wills explained that the NEPA process for tolling on I-205 will begin this summer. The I-5 Toll Project NEPA process will begin in late 2021. Tolls on I-205 would be implemented in mid-2024, whereas I-5 tolls would be implemented in 2027, which aligns with the end of the Rose Quarter Project. Hau Hagedorn asked if the I-5 Toll Project is paying for the Rose Quarter project. Lucinda Broussard said toll revenue must be used for congestion relief projects and the OTC makes the decision for where the money will go. Andi Howell said the City of Sandy is not included on slide 16 as well as Mount Hood Express transit provider. Howell said that Clackamas County’s Transit Development Plan should be included in transit analysis for the Toll Projects. She also commented on a question that Paul Savas had posed earlier about predictions for transit ridership after the pandemic. Howell said transit agencies may be faced with long-term budget cuts because of social distancing. Craig Dirksen he was pleased to see the goals and objectives have changed over time. He said the Purpose and Need Statement should explicitly address equity and transit demand management in addition to being a revenue tool. Dirksen emphasized that if I-5 and I-205 are studied independently from one another, then it will difficult to see interplay of pricing multiple roadways, and its impacts to diversion. The studies may produce unreliable results. Savas asked where the money would come from to construct the I-205 project if tolling comes later. Brendan Finn said ODOT will be ready to implement tolling. ODOT is working to make sure that happens, though the funding for I-205 construction is not identified. Savas agreed with Dirksen’s concerns about the project timing and its impact to diversion. Savas asked Lucinda Broussard how much revenue would be generated by tolling I-5. Broussard said this is unknown currently because the toll rate is not decided. Steve Callaway asked that the R1ACT request that the OTC form a group of stakeholders to advise on the funding gap. Callaway suggested that stakeholders should find a solution to the funding gap given the amount of uncertainty. Bill Merchant asked if the public will have enough information to comment in the 45-day comment period given COVID-19. Heather Wills said the first comment period would be higher level and focused more on the Purpose, Need, Goals, Objectives, and the results of the screening analysis from the five alternatives. There will be another comment period when the Draft Environmental Assessment is published.

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REGION 1 AREA COMMISSION ON TRANSPORTATION (R1ACT) Meeting Summary June 1, 2020, Portland, Oregon

Noah Siegel asked if demand management analysis can determine whether adding lanes is necessary. Mat Dolata said all alternatives are being analyzed with the assumption that the widening I-205 will happen. Siegel asked what differentiators will determine which alternative is the best decision. Dolata said evaluation criteria will be used to differentiate the alternatives. Markley Drake asked when the alternatives will be narrowed to two options for comment from cities. Dolata said the screening report will come out in a few months and agencies will have the opportunity to comment. From there, it will be narrowed down to two to three alternatives for the NEPA process. Drake asked if those three options would be presented to the three city councils (Gladstone, West Linn, and Oregon City). Heather Wills confirmed that is correct. Jason Snider said it would be ideal to establish communication about funding with the OTC by September given the Legislative schedule. Brian Hodson said the project team should meet with some groups related to diversion along I-205, as well as the three cities involved. Hodson also asked when toll rates will be identified. Lucinda Broussard said toll rates will be identified after the NEPA process—around 2023. Other updates Windsheimer informed the group of some changes at ODOT regarding remote work during the COVID-19. He also shared information about the recent closure to Fremont Bridge, as well as closures to the DMV. Windsheimer shared that the US 26 Safety Corridor is being decommissioned as it has been successful at reducing crashes. ODOT will be looking for the next location for a safety corridor. OR 8 has also had some safety issues, and ODOT is doing a road safety audit. HB 2017 instructed ODOT to transfer Cornelius Pass Road to ODOT. ODOT is working local agencies to ensure that the community is aware of what is happening. The Safe Routes to School Grant Program is now open for applications. Applications are due August 31. ODOT Region 1 and the OUM will work on a Bus on Shoulder Pilot in the next year or two. Windsheimer reminded the group to provide comments on the OTC investment strategy. Mandy Putney suggested that commission members review the workplan and provide comments for the next meeting. This document lists items that the OTC and ACT will discuss in the meetings for 2020.

Next Meeting Date and Adjournment Chair Rogers reminded the group that the next meeting is tentatively planned to be held in Hood River County. The next meeting is set for August 3, 2020.

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OTC Begins a New STIP Cycle. Follow the Process and get Involved!

The Oregon Transportation Commission is starting work to identify where to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to preserve and improve the state’s transportation system. Every three years, the OTC puts together the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) that lays out where we will invest federal and state money in the transportation system—everything from roads and bridges to public transportation to bike paths and sidewalks.

The OTC and ODOT develop the STIP with a wide variety of participants, including cities, counties, many other partners and the public. This STIP looks all the way out to funding projects in 2024 through 2027.

2024-2027 STIP Time frame and Process The OTC begins work on the 2024-2027 STIP in July 2020 and expects to finish in 2023.

There are three steps to developing the STIP. • Dividing up the money: Based on the Commission’s policies, priorities and goals, the OTC divides the money among programs that fix roads and bridges, address safety problems, provide more options to get around and improve our transportation system— both state highways and local roads. The OTC will decide how to divide up the money by the end of 2020. • Picking projects: Once we know how much money each program has to spend we start picking projects. We use data on conditions, safety and congestion to come up with a list of the highest priority projects that help us make progress toward meeting our goals. We figure out how much each project will cost and when we could deliver them. We also work with advisory committees made up of local elected officials and citizens to help understand which projects are most important to our communities. They help us come up with a list of the best projects that fit within our budget and help us meet our goals. This list is the draft STIP. • Public review and approval: The draft STIP will go out for public review in early 2023 so you can comment on the list of projects.

Program Categories As with last STIP, the OTC plans to divide funds among six program categories. • Enhance Highway: Highway projects that expand or enhance the transportation system. • Fix-it: Projects that maintain or fix the state highway system. • Safety: Projects focused on reducing fatal and serious injury crashes on Oregon’s roads. • Non-Highway: Bicycle, pedestrian, public transportation and transportation options projects and programs. • Local Programs: Funding to local governments for priority projects. • Other Functions: Workforce development, planning and data collection and Page | 2

administrative programs using federal resources.

Addressing Climate Change Under a new Executive Order from Governor Brown, ODOT will find ways to address greenhouse gas emissions through projects in the STIP. ODOT plans to look at how different ways of dividing up the money among programs will impact GHG emissions, and we will also use GHG emissions as one of the criteria for picking the best projects.

How You Can Provide Input The OTC encourages citizens and stakeholders to provide input on how we should divide funds among programs so that we’re meeting needs across the state. There are a number of ways you can stay informed and provide input. • Visit our STIP web page at oregon.gov/ODOT/STIP. You can watch a video about the STIP and learn more. We’ll post new information online as the process goes on. • Take our survey to provide your input on how we should spend money. • Sign up for our STIP email list to get regular updates. • Keep up with the action by viewing videos and materials from the Oregon Transportation Commission meetings. • Share your thoughts by submitting a comment on the Commission’s website.

FACT SHEET | 2024-2027 STIP July 2020 Region 1 Area Commission on Transportation 2020 Draft Meeting Topic Schedule and Work Plan**

Feb. 3, 2020 • Interstate 5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project Cost to Complete Report - Information • Oregon Tolling overview - Input

April 6, 2020 - Cancelled

June 1, 2020

• Oregon Tolling – Input • Federal Funding Update – Information and Discussion • 2020 Summer Construction – Information Provided

Aug. 3, 2020 • Oregon Tolling – Input • Oregon Transportation Investment Strategy – Information and Input • 2024-27 Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan – Information and Input • Hood River Bridge Replacement and Trunnion Projects – Information provided in packet

Oct. 5, 2020 • Oregon Tolling – TBD • Oregon Highway Plan Process - Input • Discrimination and Harassment Free Training • Oregon Transportation Commission and ACT workshop update - Input • Oregon Transportation Commission Annual Report - Input

December 7, 2020 • Oregon Tolling – TBD • Cornelius Pass Road Jurisdictional Transfer - Information • ACT input on Critical Oregon Airport Relief (COAR) grant applications in Region 1 • Mandatory DAS Training • 2021 Work Plan

As an advisory body to the Oregon Transportation Commission (OTC), the R1ACT work plan for 2020 is based on the OTC’s 2019-21 work plan. In addition to topics included above, these items are expected to be added to the R1 work plan:

• I-5 Bridge Replacement • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion • Innovative funding, transportation, systems programs and engagement • Emerging technologies • Investments in rural communities • Implementing House Bill 2017

**Work plan topics may shift from month-to-month. EIS UPDATE AUGUST 2020 In December 2003, a draft environmental impact statement (EIS) was published as part of a bi-state collaborative effort. This draft EIS was the first step in complying with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Currently, the Port of Hood River (Port) is advancing the project to complete the EIS effort and position the project for future funding and construction. What’s new on the project? ●● An administrative draft of the Supplemental Draft EIS is under review by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the Oregon Department of Justice. ●● Revising the archaeological fieldwork plan to address agency and tribal review How would bridge replacement comments; expecting to conduct the archaeological testing in late July. benefit the Columbia River ●● Completing the analysis of the historic properties within the project area and Gorge communities? preparing the Historic Resources Technical Report. The Hood River Bridge provides a critical ●● Preparing a final biological assessment to address comment received from connection for residents and visitors the FHWA, Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), and liaisons to the to the Columbia River Gorge National National Marine Fisheries Service. The biological assessment documents Scenic Area. One of only three bridges Project impacts to threatened and endangered species and habitat and spanning the Columbia in this region, associated proposed conservation measures. the bridge is a critical rural freight network facility for agriculture, forestry, ●● Preparing a photo simulation of a view from the Washington shoreline toward the Hood River Bridge. heavy industry and high-tech companies with freight originating throughout the northwest. The existing bridge is nearing What are the next steps? the end of its serviceable life and is ●● Revise the administrative draft of the Supplemental Draft EIS to address obsolete for modern vehicles with height, comments and prepare an updated version for FHWA legal sufficiency review. width, and weight restrictions and is also a navigational hazard for marine freight ●● Consult with Native American tribes on cultural resources, access to the vessels. The bridge has no sidewalks Columbia River, fishing activities, treaty rights, and any other interests or bicycle lanes for non‑motorized identified by the tribes that relate to the Project. travel and would likely not withstand a ●● Complete any needed lab analysis from the archaeological fieldwork and large earthquake. begin preparing an Archaeological Technical Report. If project funding is secured, the new ●● Begin preparing for an EIS Working Group meeting to brief the members on bridge would provide a safe and reliable the status of the Supplemental Draft EIS and public involvement outreach way for everyone to cross or navigate proposed in Fall 2020. the Columbia River—by car, truck, bus, bicycle, on foot, or on the water. A new bridge would support a thriving economy and livable communities.

WE ARE HERE

Agency/Stakeholder Environmental Compliance Outreach

Technical Study Updates Supplemental Dra EIS Final EIS/ROD

Community Meeting Community Meeting Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 2018 2019 2020 2021

PROJECT CONTACT To learn more about the project, please visit us at: Kevin Greenwood, Project Director 541-436-0797 www.portofhoodriver.com/bridge [email protected] SUMMER 2020 NEWSLETTER INTERSTATE BRIDGE TRUNNION REPLACEMENT 9-DAY CLOSURE FOR MORE INFORMATION INTERSTATE BRIDGE Project hotline: 503-731-8276 SEPTEMBER 2020 [email protected] BRIDGE CLOSURE interstatebridge.org September 12–September 20, 2020

For ADA Title II or Civil Rights Title VI accommodations, translation/interpretation services or for additional CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE information call 503-731-4128, TTY (800) 735-2900 or use the statewide Oregon Relay Service: 7-1-1. CONSTRUCTION August 2020–October 2020 ¿Habla usted español? Podemos proveer la información en esta publicación en español. Para recibir la información en español, por favor llamé al: 503-731-4128.

www.tripcheck.com

INTERSTATE BRIDGE TRUNNION REPLACEMENT Oregon Department of Transportation 123 NW Flanders Street Portland, OR 97209

9-DAY CLOSURE INTERSTATE BRIDGE SEPTEMBER 2020 Look inside to read about bridge maintenance and traffic impacts. interstatebridge.org CONSTRUCTION STARTS SUMMER 2020 INTERSTATE BRIDGE NEWSLETTER TRUNNION IN AUGUST REPLACEMENT

CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS BRIDGE LIFTS ON I-5 NORTH AUGUST–OCTOBER 2020 Bridge lifts will occur on I-5 north for up to 30 minutes. Travelers should expect delays. The heaviest impacts will occur during the closure of the northbound span of the bridge September 12-20, 2020 NIGHTTIME RAMP CLOSURES and the following 7-day lane closure on I-5 south. Periodic nighttime closure of on-ramps: Travelers will also experience traffic impacts beginning in August and continuing through October, including: • SR 14/Washington Street on-ramp to I-5 south in Vancouver. NIGHTTIME LANE CLOSURES • Marine Drive on-ramp to I-5 north in Portland. Periodic nighttime single and double lane closures • Hayden Island on-ramp to I-5 north in Portland. will occur on I-5 and on the Interstate Bridge throughout construction. • North Victory on-ramp to I-5 north in Portland.

9-DAY CLOSURE OF INTERSTATE BRIDGE TRAFFIC IMPACTS SEPTEMER 12—20, 2020 Heavy traffic, congestion and long delays are expected in the region on I-5, I-205, I-84, SR 14 The northbound span of the Interstate Bridge and local streets in north Portland and south will close September 12–20, 2020 as crews Vancouver during construction. replace mechanical parts that help lift and lower the bridge. During the closure, travelers crossing TRAVEL STRATEGIES* the Interstate Bridge in both directions will share Everyone can help reduce the three existing lanes and sidewalk on the congestion during the southbound bridge. closure by using options AREA RAMP CLOSURES such as delaying or shifting trips, biking, During the bridge closure, four ramps in the project taking transit, or working area will close for traffic control and to ensure a from home or another safe work zone: location when possible. • Marine Drive on-ramp to I-5 north in Portland. Transit users can take advantage of expedited travel • Hayden Island on-ramp to I-5 north in Portland. times with Bus on Shoulder programs on SR 14, I-5 • I-5 north to SR 14 off-ramp in Vancouver. and I-205. Visit: c-tran.com/bus-on-shoulder • SR 14/Washington Street on-ramp to I-5 south in Vancouver. getthereoregon.org getthereswwashington.org

*Please follow all current public health guidelines and recommendations for travel practices. trimet.org bit.ly/c-tran-interstate-bridge-closure

7-DAY LANE CLOSURE Travelers will experience a single lane closure on I-5 south at the Interstate Bridge ON I-5 SOUTH September 21–27, 2020 as construction crews remove equipment from the area SEPTEMBER 21-27 and wrap up the project. Expect delays traveling into Oregon.

Remember to drive safe and avoid work zone crashes by slowing down, paying attention, and following signs and flaggers.

Sign up for project updates: interstatebridge.org

August 3rd, 2020

Oregon Transportation Commission Oregon Department of Transportation 355 Capitol Street NE, MS11 Salem, OR 97301-3871

RE: Funding Gaps for State-Owned Projects in ODOT Region 1

Chair Van Brocklin and Commissioners:

On behalf of the Region 1 Area Commission on Transportation, I write today requesting the Oregon Transportation Commission (OTC) convene a table of stakeholders charged with examining the funding gap that exists for projects of statewide significance within ODOT Region 1 and proposing funding solutions in advance of the 2021 legislative session.

As you know, the 2017 state legislature prioritized three key bottlenecks of statewide significance as part of HB 2017, including Highway 217, the Rose Quarter, and I-205. Since that time, ODOT has completed a significant amount of work. However, all three projects lack sufficient funding for construction to meet the needs of our growing region. In addition, the list of other needed infrastructure improvements continues to grow, including but not limited to Highway 26 and the I-5 Boone Bridge. The growing list of major infrastructure projects on the regional freeway system highlights the need to improve freight movement and seismic resiliency in our region and state, but it cannot move forward without a reasonable funding strategy that our communities can depend upon.

ODOT is working to make tolling a reality as a funding source, as directed by HB 2017. While tolling can be an important part of the funding solution, it does not appear likely to generate enough revenue to fund all of the projects. The degree to which tolling revenue will pay for these projects is unknown, and won’t be known until 2023 or 2024 at the earliest. We cannot wait that long to look at supplementary funding solutions.

We look to the OTC to provide leadership and direction on this issue. Specifically, we ask that you convene a table of stakeholders to identify solutions that will complete the funding for the original three bottleneck projects identified in HB 2017 and for projects that are in the queue, such as the I- 5 Bridge, Highway 26, and Boone Bridge.

We must address this funding to find a way to restore seismic stability, secure freight and economic mobility, address congestion, and prioritize equity for our region. The future of our region’s safety and mobility depends on it.

Thank you for your consideration of this time-sensitive request. Sincerely,

Roy Rogers, Chair Region 1 Area Commission on Transportation