Selecting and Prioritizing Preferred Solutions
Evaluation of the solutions should result in a list of preferred solutions for inclusion in the TSP. The preferred list of solutions should:
- Address the needs determined as local priorities.
- Prioritize solutions based on how well they address the goals and objectives of the TSP (see Step 2 for additional guidance on the development of evaluation criteria).
- Be consistent with the Transportation Planning Rule and be technically, environmentally, politically, and financially implementable.
- Have the support of locally elected officials, the Project Management Team, transportation providers, advisory committees, and the public, including gathering community input and engaging underserved communities.
- Provide the local government with a viable package of solutions for the transportation problems facing the community over the 20-year planning horizon.
- Maintain ability for people and goods to travel efficiently. This includes vehicle mobility on the interstate and expressway state highway system, pedestrian and bicycle network connectivity, and effective public transportation.
- Include amendments to previously identified local performance standards or requests to the Oregon Transportation Commission to consider alternative performance standards for state highways consistent with Oregon Highway Plan Action 1F3. In metropolitan areas, local jurisdictions and ODOT will adopt two performance standards consistent with OAR 660-012-0215(6).
It is important that the planning process document the steps taken and agreements made during the development of the preferred list of solutions. Decisions should be recorded at the time they are made, and the basis for each decision should be clearly described. Similarly, agreements and commitments by involved governmental agencies should be described in the TSP's background information, particularly if such agreements and commitments are critical to implementing the TSP.
The preferred list of solutions forms the essence of the TSP. The TSP will identify needs, modes, functions, and general locations of planned improvements. Actual alignments will be determined through the project development or permit approval process or subsequent facility planning to respond to topographical or environmental constraints or to meet urban design goals.
Prioritization Framework for Metropolitan Areas
For cities and counties in metropolitan areas and Metro, OAR 660-012-0155, OAR 660-012-0520, OAR 660-012-0620, OAR 660-012-0720, and OAR 660-012-0820 require specific prioritization factors be used when evaluating and prioritizing projects as part of the TSP development process.
To see the specific requirements, see Evaluation and Prioritization Criteria for more information.