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Connect Oregon

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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.

Applications Under Review

ODOT has assembled a Federal Grant March Recommendation Panel that will meet to discuss the below named projects prior to the OTC making a formal funding decision.

The meeting is will be held on April 14 from 2-3 PM on Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams Need help?

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 249 580 454 270

Passcode: 73L9vL9P


Dial in by phone

+1 971-277-1965,,76252764# United States, Portland

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Phone conference ID: 762 527 64#

For organizers: Meeting options | Reset dial-in PIN

Additional Program Information and Progress

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. 

Background


The state legislature identified five dedicated projects (four in House Bill 2017 and one in House Bill 4304) that were to be grantees of the Connect Oregon program.

The statuses of the projects are as follows:

  • Mid-Willamette Valley Intermodal Facility – $25 million from HB 2017 - Project Plan approved by the Oregon Transportation Commission at their July 2019 meeting. The project developed an intermodal facility on 66 acres on portions of a former mill site located in Millersburg adjacent to I-5. Improvements including new support tracks to connect to Union Pacific Railroad, working tracks to move rail cars within the yard, and supporting office and support facilities. Construction was completed November 2, 2022. The new operator is working to develop potential commodity business lines at this facility including renewable energy, agriculture, intermodal containers, and waste management.  The new operator is planning to begin moving goods by Spring 2025
  • Treasure Valley Intermodal Facility - $26 million from HB 2017 - Project Plan approved by the Oregon Transportation Commission at their July 2019 meeting. The project includes a transload facility to transfer via rail agricultural commodities and potentially other commodities to locations with in the United states.  Construction of most of the rail infrastructure is complete.  The project sponsor is currently in negotiations for a facility operator.  The final elements of construction will not occur until the new operator is on board and the project sponsor has developed a financial plan to complete construction of the facility.
  • Rail Expansion at the Port of Morrow - $6.55 million from HB 2017 - Project Plan approved by the Oregon Transportation Commission at their September 2018 meeting. This project constructed rail improvements in the Port of Morrow’s East Beach Industrial Park in Boardman, OR to improve the port’s rail operations, service and capacity. Construction is complete.
  • Rail siding to support Amtrak Cascade line - $2.6 million from HB 2017 -  Project Plan approved by the Oregon Transportation Commission at their December 2019 meeting. Project is on hold and being reassessed to determine the best location and configuration of the improvements along with updated costs.
  • Oregon International Port of Coos Bay Rail Bridge Rehabilitation Project - $5 million from HB 4304 – The project made rail bridge repairs and replacements on the Coos Bay Rail Line. The project replaced the Vaughn Bridge and Coal Bank Slough Bridge, and repaired five swing-span bridges.  The project is under construction with completion anticipated in March 2025.

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

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