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Medford council approves ODOT agreement to allow city to deliver federally funded projects
Summary
The Medford City Council voted 6-0 to authorize an agreement with the Oregon Department of Transportation that lets the city become fully certified to deliver federally funded projects in-house, a change officials said will give Medford more control over scope, schedule and budget for large public works work.
The Medford City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved an agreement with the Oregon Department of Transportation that will let the city obtain full certification to deliver projects funded with federal aid.
City Attorney Eric Minton presented the ordinance, saying the agreement with ODOT will let the city perform all phases of federally funded projects rather than contracting them out or asking ODOT to manage them. “This will allow us to proceed with certification,” Minton said during council discussion.
The city was previously certified for design only, Minton and City Engineer Alex George said, but ODOT changed its rules to require full certification for agencies that want to deliver federal-aid projects. George said the certification process required training and demonstration of staff skills, and that much of the training has already been completed. “This agreement doesn’t have any project associated with it. It’s only grantee us the approval to do certified projects,” George said, adding that individual federally funded projects will still come back to council for approval with required matching funds and project agreements.
Council members pressed for clarity on cost savings and training. George said delivering projects in-house typically reduces schedule and budget risk because the city can control scope and keep projects from being bid in uncertain markets. He confirmed there will be financial impacts when specific federal projects and their matching requirements are approved.
The council vote was 6-0 in favor. Councilor Kevin Keating moved approval; Zach Smith seconded. The roll call recorded aye votes from Kevin Keating, Zach Smith, John Quinn, Garrett West, Kevin Stein and Jessica Ayers.
Why it matters: Certification allows Medford to self-perform federally funded road and infrastructure work, a change city staff said should shorten timelines and give the city more control over costs and contractor selection. Staff also said only a handful of local agencies outside the Portland-Salem-Eugene corridor are certified, so the change positions Medford differently within Oregon.
What happens next: Staff will pursue final certification with ODOT. When federal funds are secured for a project, council will still be presented with individual project agreements, estimated costs and match requirements before work begins.
Votes at a glance: Council Bill 2025-27 — Ordinance authorizing a Local Agency Certification Program agreement with ODOT; outcome: approved, 6-0.
(Reporting based on city staff presentation and council roll call at the April 16 meeting.)
