JPACT To Decide Transportation Funding

Tomorrow morning at 7:30am, JPACT will decide the policy direction for spending $20-24 million in Regional Flexible Funds for transportation.

JPACT is planning to set funding targets in two pots:  active transportation/ complete streets and freight/ green economy, Several years ago, Metro decided to prioritize Regional Flexible Funds to the kinds of projects that don’t have other reliable sources of funding.  Metro has also prioritized projects that can be built with the small amounts available.  

Very little money is available for active transportation.  In the last 15 years, biking, walking, and trails in the region have received an average of $10 million each year, and Regional Flexible Funds have make up almost 30% of that budget.  In contrast, roads and freight have averaged $4.2 billion, with only 3% coming from Regional Flexible Funds.

Every proposal JPACT is considering would reduce funding for active transportation and complete streets, including one  recommendation that these projects be slashed to 25% of available funding.  We’re asking JPACT to allocate 75% to active transportation and complete streets.  It would be a reduction below the last two funding cycles but a reasonable compromise to ensure these types of projects retain a significant source of their funding while also seeding green infrastructure projects.

Sidewalks, bikeways, and trails are essential to creating livable communities where people can get many of their needs met close to home and have safe and affordable choices in how they travel.  They help us meet many of our regional goals, including vibrant communities, reduction of greenhouse gases, and improved health.

We hope JPACT hears the voices of the community about the importance of this funding to regional livability.  You can send a final message tonight to JPACT through its staff at Metro by emailing kelsey.newell@metroregion.org.