JPACT Supports Active Transportation

This morning,  JPACT, the Metro committee of regional leaders that sets the direction for transportation planning, voted to set targets for Regional Flexible Funds at an amount we support:  75% for active transportation and complete streets, and 25% for green economy and freight.  We are very pleased that they voted to use the very limited dollars in Regional Flexible Funds for projects that support livable communities where people can get many of their needs met close to home and have safe and affordable choices in how they travel.

In addition, JPACT voted to require green economy/ freight projects to address environmental justice.  This amendment was proposed by Metro Councilor Harrington and supported unanimously.  We applaud JPACT for this significant commitment to environmental justice. 

Funding Targets

   Active Transportation and Complete Streets: $13.9 -16.9 million*

   Green Economy and Freight:  $4.6 - 5.6 million*

   Electric Vehicle Purchase:  $500,000

   Metropolitan Mobility Funding Preparedness:   $1 million

Total funds available:  $20-24 million

   * These amounts reflect 75% and 25% of the available funding after subtracting the amounts for Electric Vehicle Purchase and Metropolitan Mobility Funding Preparedness.

These budgets are just targets and the final dollar amounts have not been determined yet, but this is an excellent step. Active Transportation and Complete Streets are targeted to receive $9 million more than the proposal put forward at the last JPACT meeting and $4.5 million more than in the alternative proposal put forward today. 

Next steps include establishing criteria for evaluating projects, local jurisdictions bringing projects forward, and allocating the funding.  Public comment will take place in January or February of 2011 and final decisions will be made in the spring of 2011.