Bend MPO TAC recommends prioritized list of State Highway Fund projects, with edits for eligibility and readiness

The Bend MPO Technical Advisory Committee on a hybrid Nov. meeting recommended a prioritized list of projects for the 2025 State Highway Fund (SHF) and asked staff to present funding scenarios to the policy board at its Nov. 25 meeting.

The TAC’s technical review used a criteria-based scoring rubric (connectivity/multimodal benefit 0–10 points; safety, system efficiency, emissions reduction and equity 0–6 points each; cost share 0–3 points). Andrei, the staff presenter, told members the nine applications were scored by three reviewers, averaged, and ranked, and that “we do have quite a bit more in asks than we have available.” The committee then considered non‑criteria factors — project readiness, likelihood of alternate funding, and delivery complexity — before gauging TAC support with show-of-hands polls.

Why it matters: the TAC’s recommendation is advisory to the MPO policy board. Staff and applicants will be asked to refine funding scenarios so the board can weigh tradeoffs between funding continuity for multi‑year education programs and building commercial sidewalk and crossing projects.

What the TAC recommended and why - Projects advanced with broad TAC support: the committee indicated support by show of hands for several City of Bend sidewalk infill projects and for the Commute Options Safe Routes to School education program.…