The Bend MPO policy board unanimously approved a targeted amendment to the Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program (MTIP) on Dec. 19 that reallocates $150,000 among two ODOT projects within the Empire–Greenwood corridor.

Kelly (Bend MPO staff) explained the amendment affects two ODOT projects—US 20 Empire to Greenwood and US 23rd Street at Empire—and cancels the right‑of‑way and utility relocation phases on the larger US 20 corridor project while moving the remaining $150,000 into preliminary engineering for the US 23rd Street at Empire project so the remaining corridor work is concentrated in a single project. "There's some overlap in these projects. Consolidating the funds would create efficiencies," staff said.

Board members confirmed the amendment does not change project limits or scope and that the reallocation is intended to fund sidewalk, ADA and intersection upgrades already planned for the corridor. Commissioner Phil Chang moved approval of the MTIP amendment; the motion was seconded and the board voted unanimously to approve.

Staff noted the full adopted MTIP is available online and that project lists and amendment logs will be updated to reflect this change.