PBOT Grant Applications Seek Support

PBOT grant applications need your support

Every two years, Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) requests grant proposals for Federal Transportation Enhancement funds. Eligible projects include “Provision of facilities for pedestrians and bicyclists,” among others. This is a very competitive funding cycle; a total of $16 million is available statewide, and ODOT has received roughly $92 million worth of applications.

Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) submitted applications for two priority projects:
Safe Routes to Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood Schools Project: PBOT is requesting $1,487,000 to improve pedestrian and bicycle access and safety to Gilbert Park Elementary, Gilbert Heights Elementary and Alice Ott Middle School, which together serve 2,000 students. The schools are situated in an incomplete grid of streets, with significant gaps in curb, sidewalk, and bicycle infrastructure. This project will provide much needed sidewalk infill, traffic calming, storm water management and bicycle marking improvements on SE Holgate and SE Ramona from 122nd Avenue to 136th Avenue.

Clinton to the River Multi–Use Path: PBOT is requesting $1,902,761 to create a seamless 2.8 mile bicycle and pedestrian route adjacent to the planned Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail. This project will enhance safety and the quality of experience for bikers and pedestrians and reduce conflicts with all modes. The project addresses several barriers at the confluence of three bike and pedestrian routes that make connections in the area challenging and dangerous. The path will support the 2,500 daily users of the Clinton bikeway and accommodate the future demand once the Willamette River Bridge is constructed.

Please support our applications by commenting on them!

The public comment period is open now and will continue through Jan. 28, 2011.
Please comment on the above projects now via this online survey: http://pdx.be/PBOT-TE

According to ODOT, “Responses received from the public, organizations and stakeholders will help ODOT determine which projects to advance to the Transportation Enhancement Advisory Committee for final evaluation and selection.”

The list of all the applications is available at http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/LGS/index.shtml.