Clackamas County is carving out the path for its transportation future with meticulous planning, balancing an array of needs with the funds available. Described in a recent Clackamas County news release, the local government has demystified their methodical approach to selecting transportation projects, acknowledging the perennial challenge of more needs than available resources.
According to the county's detailed explanation, they are tasked with maintaining an intricate network comprising over 1,400 miles of county roads, 186 bridges, and nearly 200 traffic signals that represent a staggering billion-dollar investment. With this responsibility, comes the division of prospective projects into three tiers based on urgency and potential funding, ensuring the most critical infrastructure needs remain at the forefront. Tier 1 projects are deemed high priority and have some pathway to funding. They make up a smaller, actionable five-year list from the comprehensive 20-year capital projects list. However, not all projects fall into such a favorable equation. Tier 2 and Tier 3 projects lack dedicated funds, despite their alignment with growth projections and potential benefits.
Funding streams for these transportation endeavors include the County road fund, supported by state vehicle registration fees, gas taxes, and commercial weight fees. While resources such as the Oregon rural fund have declined, the 2020-established Community Road Fund, fueled by a countywide vehicle registration fee, has injected over $9 million into the county's transportation budget, earmarked for road improvement, safety, and congestion reduction efforts. The county actively seeks additional grants to stretch these funds as far as possible, despite knowing that the wishlist extends well beyond fiscal reach.
The five-year project list, updated biennially, currently boasts 86 projects with an estimated cost of $220 million, of which the Community Road Fund contributes approximately $16 million. This stage of planning places emphasis on safety enhancements, road and bridge upgrades, and major repairs. Ambitious projects such as 11 bridge and culvert endeavors, collectively worth about $26.9 million, are a significant component of the investment in infrastructure over the next half-decade.
Residents of Clackamas County are encouraged to actively participate in shaping the transportation landscape. Opportunities range from joining advisory groups to offering insights through surveys on the county's draft transportation system plan. By signing up for the email list, community members can stay informed about public involvement stages, including when groups are accepting applications, surveys are available, and events are scheduled. Engagement at this level allows for a transportation plan that reflects the diverse experiences and requirements of those it serves.
