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ODOT outlines constrained STIP, proposes "Great Streets" projects including safety investments in Washington County
Summary
ODOT Region 1 told WCCCC that declining federal/state revenues shrink the draft STIP; the department proposes a 10-year CIP and has identified a "Great Streets" package with safety and transit-support projects in Washington County (lighting, signals, RFBS crosswalks and sidewalk infill to support TV Highway BRT). Few new paving and bridge projects are funded in the draft STIP.
Chris Ford, ODOT Region 1 policy and development manager, presented the draft Statewide Transportation Improvement Program and how it affects the region.
Ford said the STIP allocation through federal fiscal 2030 is constrained by declining federal formula funds and rising costs. He noted a 40% reduction in "fix it" (state-of-good-repair) funding in the proposed allocation compared with prior steps, fewer projects moving forward overall, and an estimated $7.5 million of unallocated funds ODOT is proposing for a "Great Streets 2.0" program that packages safety, paving and active-transportation work where multiple needs overlap.
Region 1 will see six new ODOT projects programmed in 2027 (design phases only for the first year) and 13 new local-agency projects, many supported through grant programs such as local safety and Oregon Community Paths. Ford identified a Washington County systemic arts/safety project (lighting, signals and signage) and a Great Streets collection supporting proposed TV Highway bus-rapid-transit (BRT) investments: rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB) crosswalks, sidewalk infill and leading pedestrian intervals at select intersections across Hillsboro, unincorporated Washington County and Beaverton.
A committee member raised a concern about a draft MTIP line item described as $4.4 million for 58 electric buses for the Tri-County area, noting garage charging constraints at the Merlo facility and asking JPAC and MTIP staff to clarify whether the description and operating assumptions were accurate. Ford said that public review and committee discussion are the correct forums to raise and resolve such questions.
Why it matters: the STIP guides where federal and certain state capital funds will be spent. Reduced capital allocations and a shift toward design-phase programming in 2027 may compress project delivery schedules and reduce the number of projects that enter construction in the near term. The Great Streets proposal aims to target limited funds where multiple needs can be addressed together.
Next steps: ODOTs public comment period for the draft STIP was open during March; staff will review comments and the Oregon Transportation Commission is scheduled to approve the STIP in June or July, followed by FHWA/FTA approvals and an October 1 start of the new STIP cycle.
