Committee backs ODOT bid for $20.15 million federal grant to improve safety on US 97
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Summary
The joint Ways and Means committee unanimously approved submission of an ODOT application for a discretionary federal grant to fund safety improvements on US Route 97 near Juniper Butte; the agency says the $20.15 million request would fully fund a $20.2 million project and is eligible for up to 100% federal funding, with applications due 02/24/2026.
The Joint Committee on Ways and Means voted Feb. 20 to approve the Oregon Department of Transportation’s request to submit an application for a discretionary federal grant to fund safety improvements on U.S. Route 97 near Juniper Butte between Madras and Terrebonne.
Senator McLean told the committee the project targets a high-crash segment where winter weather, icy conditions, limited driver warnings and the lack of alternative freight routes have increased serious crashes. Planned improvements include speed advisory and variable message signs, a medium barrier, and enhancements to merge lanes and track scales.
The agency estimated the total project cost at $20,200,000 and said the grant request would fully fund the effort. According to McLean, the project “qualifies as [an area of persistent poverty] under the program criteria” and is eligible for up to 100% federal funding, with applications due Feb. 24, 2026. The Transportation and Economic Development Subcommittee recommended approval of ODOT’s submission in the amount of $20,150,000.
Representative Reschke thanked ODOT for focusing on the East Side of the Cascades and urged consideration of improvements farther south on Highway 97. Representative Valderrama recorded an aye vote; the co-chair asked for objections, and none were raised, so the motion to approve the submission passed by no objection.
Next steps: ODOT must submit the application to the U.S. Department of Transportation by the program deadline. The committee’s action was to authorize submission; the transcript does not record further conditions or appropriation language tied to the grant application.
