Are you thinking about applying for an Oregon Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Non-Infrastructure Grant this spring? Considering the ODOT Rapid Response Program? The Safe Routes Partnership wants to help! We may be able to provide technical assistance to help your agency in meeting grant requirements before the deadline this May. Our team can provide support in clarifying grant criteria, providing proposal development tips, and reviewing your application.

3/27/19 update: HB 2007 has been scheduled for a work session on April 4, 2019. The bill was scheduled prior to the first chamber deadline so that it may continue to advance this session. While no amendments have been posted yet, we're supporting partners in asking for amendments that will strengthen the bill. Read our post from earlier this month for more details:

ODOT is gearing up for the next round of SRTS funding, including the Non-Infrastructure, Rapid Response and Project Identification Programs. The Non-Infrastructure Program opens in April, with about $500,000/yr available for the 3-year grant cycle, and can help fund education, encouragement and enforcement programs. About $1.8M is available for the Rapid Response Program, for projects that simply cannot wait for the 2021 competition. More details are expected soon on the Project ID Program.

With the First Chamber deadline quickly approaching, we're monitoring key transportation and climate bills advancing in the Oregon Legislature. Here are just a few bills we're watching:

The Salem Keizer Area Transportation Study (SKATS) Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) has opened the application period for the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). Approximately $15 million will be made available for transportation projects in 2022 – 2024. Public agencies capable of contracting with ODOT are eligible to receive funding. Private entities and non-profits may also apply as co-applicants with a public agency.

The Statewide Transportation Improvement Fund (STIF) is a new dedicated source of funding for expanding public transportation service in Oregon. (Read our earlier coverage of STIF & activity in the Salem-area). Eighteen of the forty-two eligible transit providers in Oregon have submitted applications for the first STIF review cycle, which started in November 2018.