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Commission confirms intention to fund Center Street Bridge Phase 2 and seek bonding authority when needed
Summary
After staff requested explicit direction for Phase 2 funding to satisfy FHWA expectations, the commission voted to confirm its intention to fund Phase 2 of the Center Street Bridge retrofit and to seek legislative bonding authority when funding is required; Commissioner Baker voted no and others voted yes.
The commission voted to confirm that ODOT will move forward with Phase 2 of the Center Street Bridge seismic retrofit and will seek legislative bonding authority when funding is required. Region 2 staff briefed commissioners on Phase 1 (main street and east ramps) construction and Phase 2 (west end ramps reconstruction) timing: advanced investigations in 2026, formal design starting in 2028, and potential bid opening for construction in 2032–2033 with construction in 2033–2036. Staff noted the program’s finance plan and requested the commission’s confirmation that Phase 2 will be funded when needed.
Vice Chair Beyer moved the confirmation language that included the key phrase "seek legislative bonding authority when funding is required." Commissioner Chang seconded. In roll call, Commissioner Baker voted no; the remaining commissioners voted yes and the motion carried. Commissioners debated the tradeoffs of large bonding commitments and the effect on the statewide bridge program and preservation work; staff said delaying projects raises future costs.
Staff will pursue legislative bonding authority when the project reaches the point that additional funding is required, and will report back with expected debt‑service impacts on the bridge program.
