A new grant program launched by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) aims to fill a key gap in the funding available for bike and pedestrian paths.
"The Oregon Department of Transportation has taken the wraps off a new program that will fund off-street path projects across the state," reports Jonathan Maus.
The Oregon Community Paths program, as the new funding program is called, could offer around $19.2 million between federal and state sources through 2024, although that total is subject to some fluctuation depending on budget tightening connected to the economic depression caused by the pandemic.
"ODOT will pull together four funding sources — one from the federal government, three from the State of Oregon — to help plan and construct paths that are not on the roadway right-of-way," according to Maus. "That stipulation is important because Highway Trust Fund, gas tax, and nearly every other major revenue source is legally required to be spent in the right-of-way."
So, for example, safe routes to school that potentially use paths that are not on the roadway, exempted from Highway Trust Fund spending, would be able to seek funding from the new Oregon Community Paths program, according to Maus.
Maus provides additional details on the four kinds of funding fueling the new program, as well as the project types that will be eligible to apply for the new funding. The program website includes more details about the funding schedule. Webinars providing more information about the program are scheduled for August 21 and September 18.
FULL STORY: ODOT says new Community Paths grant program could dish out over $19 million
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility
Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
Eviction Looms for Low-Income Tenants as Rent Debt Rises
Nonprofit housing operators across the country face almost $10 billion in rent debt.
Brightline West Breaks Ground
The high-speed rail line will link Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area.
Colorado Bans No-Fault Evictions
In most cases, landlords must provide a just cause for evicting tenants.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.