Skip to main content

Oregon State Flag An official website of the State of Oregon »

Oregon.gov Homepage

Connect Oregon

ConnectOregonGraphic.jpg

Investing in Oregon's non-highway transportation future

The Connect Oregon program was established by the 2005 state legislature to invest in non-highway modes of transportation. The program currently funds aviation, rail, and marine projects via competitive grants and matching funds for federal grant programs. In past years, the program also funded bicycle, pedestrian and transit projects.

As of 2024, there have been eight competitive grant funding opportunities under the program. In total, the program has awarded $512 million to 240 projects throughout the state.

Latest Competitive Grant funding round

The most recent Competitive Grant funding round for the Connect Oregon program concluded in October 2024. The Oregon Transportation Commission approved $48 million towards 19 aviation, marine and rail projects at their October 2024 meeting.

We estimate the next competitive grant round will run in 2026 or 2027.

New Connect Oregon funding option: Federal Grant Match

In November 2024 we launched a new funding option from the Connect Oregon program: The Federal Grant Match.

The Federal Grant Match option provides funds that can be used for matching requirements for federal grants. It's separate from the Competitive Grant funding rounds, but still uses Connect Oregon program funding, and requires a similar application process.

We accept applications for the Federal Match Option on a rolling basis. Start your Connect Oregon Federal Grant Match Application online.

Before you apply, please review the “Application Documents and Review Information" section near the bottom of this webpage to learn more about the program, eligibility requirements, and application process.

Read this brief FAQ for more details about the Federal Grant Match option.

Connect Oregon funds “transportation projects” which per statute means a project or undertaking for rail, marine or aviation capital infrastructure, including bridges, or a project that facilitates the transportation of materials, animals or people. This does not include maintenance, ongoing operations, or planning efforts that do not result in construction. 

Projects eligible for funding from highway fund revenues that come primarily from state fuel taxes, vehicle title and registration fees, and heavy truck fees (section 3a, Article IX of the Oregon Constitution, the Highway Trust Fund), are not eligible for Connect Oregon funding. If a highway or public road element is essential to the complete functioning of the proposed project, applicants are encouraged to work with their ODOT region, city, or county to identify the necessary funding sources.​

Guidance

Forms

  • Monthly Progress Report: Used to evaluate project performance, due the 1st Wednesday of each month.
  • Request for Change Order: Must be submitted for approval prior to any changes to project scope or delivery schedule.
  • Project Acceptance: Completed by the ODOT project liaison and signed by recipient upon project completion.
  • Project Performance Report: Fillable form addressing the measurement of success and job creation as specified in the application; to be submitted by the recipient within 18 month of receiving project acceptance.
  • Reimbursement Request:​ Used to request reimbursement for project expenses paid by the funding recipient. 

Contact

For policy and proposed projects:
Email John Boren
Freight Program Manager
Telephone 503-951-0166

For grants awarded or projects underway:

Email Cece Gilbert
Connect Oregon Program Manager
Telephone 503-986-3528

Stay Informed

To get updates on the latest Connect Oregon information, sign up for GovDelivery notifications.