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County approves COIC transit agreements, clearing $2.89 million in STIF projects
Summary
The Crook County Board of Commissioners approved agreements allowing the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council to administer $2,890,935 in Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund projects, including a new bus stop at Wild Ride Brewing and expanded stops serving Juniper Canyon.
On July 16, 2025, the Crook County Board of Commissioners approved agreements that allow the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (COIC) to administer Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund (STIF) projects for the 2025–27 biennium.
COIC outreach and engagement administrator Derek Hoffbauer told the board the total contract amount is $2,890,935, which includes carryover funds, operating and administration costs, and capital expenditures. "The total amount of the contract is $2,890,935," Hoffbauer said.
The agreements formalize a flow of funds from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to the county and then from the county to COIC. Hoffbauer said the project list includes capital work for a new bus stop at Wild Ride Brewing, additional benches and signage, and an extension of Route 26 to serve areas farther east. He also said COIC plans to prioritize improved infrastructure and more regular service to Juniper Canyon by using capital funds and working with local staff. "We can use the $50,000 to develop some better infrastructure up in Juniper Canyon," Hoffbauer said.
Hoffbauer described the use of existing bus pads and benches at some stops, and said COIC can deploy a low-cost stop at Wild Ride Brewing and expand limited Dial-A-Ride (DialRight) service for Juniper Canyon residents to a couple days a week. He cautioned that more extensive curb-to-curb service across Juniper Canyon may be difficult because of gravel roads and winter travel.
Board members moved to approve the COIC transit service agreement and a related ODOT contract; the motions passed. The board was told funds are available beginning July 1, and ODOT release of funds is contingent on completed contracts and signatures: once ODOT releases funds to the county, the county can pass them to COIC and projects can begin.
The approved project list includes operating support, a capital line for bus stops and benches, route extensions, and carryover funds from the prior biennium. Hoffbauer said COIC will conduct outreach to Juniper Canyon residents to gauge ridership needs and tailor service frequency.
The board did not identify a legal threshold during discussion; commissioners indicated approval by voice vote. The agreements will permit COIC to begin project implementation once the contracts are fully executed and ODOT releases funds.
