Wasco County accepts $240,000 federal SS4A grant and authorizes $60,000 match for rural roads safety plan

The Wasco County Board of Commissioners approved a Federal Highway Administration Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) planning grant on July 1, accepting $240,000 to pay a consultant to develop a Rural Road Safety Action Plan and authorizing a $60,000 local match from the Road Fund.

Public Works Director Arthur Smith told commissioners that a county-wide safety action plan is now a common prerequisite for many federal transportation funding programs targeting road safety, intersection improvements and modernization projects. He said the plan will analyze accident and traffic data, identify high-risk corridors and recommend evidence-based interventions, and that the grant is reimbursable.

Smith said the county will solicit proposals for a qualified consultant to compile the plan and that the process will include public engagement, data review and targeted evaluations of high-risk areas. Commissioner Jeffrey L. Justesen asked about methodology and the inclusion of public and staff input; Smith confirmed these elements would be part of the consultant’s scope. The motion to approve the SS4A grant agreement and the $60,000 match from the Road Fund passed unanimously.