Office of Innovative Funding

ODOT's Office of Innovative Funding develops strategic, innovative projects that enhance Oregon's multi-modal transportation system. We seek new partners, technologies and developers that can lead to transportation system-level change and improve mobility for Oregonians around the state.

 

Email us at OfficeInnovation@odot.oregon.gov

Oregon’s Road Usage Charge Program is leading the nation with the first operational per-mile charging system, called OReGO. ODOT began exploring road charging in 2001 as an alternative way to fund transportation projects as the fuels tax becomes unsustainable. 
 

Electric vehicles and infrastructure. Oregon is developing a statewide network that gives EV drivers convenient access to charging stations.
 

Automated vehicles use sensors and computer systems to drive themselves, either partially or entirely.

 

The Oregon Innovative Partnerships Program develops partnerships with private entities and units of government that will expedite project delivery, maximize innovation in project development and leverage public funding with private resources.

An Innovative Partnership Project must align with ODOT's strategic investments, state plans, and goals. See for example: Oregon Transportation Plan (OTP), Oregon Highway Plan Policy Amendment - Goal 6: Tolling and Congestion Pricing, Statewide Transportation Strategy (STS), Statewide Transportation Investment Plan (STIP). Other planning documents can be found here.

The Oregon Department of Transportation welcomes proposals for innovative transportation projects from private entities (individuals or registered Oregon corporations, including non-profit corporations) and local governments.

A transportation project can be any undertaking that facilitates any mode of transportation in the state. Examples include:

• Active transportation facilities
  
• Fiber optic projects serving ODOT needs
  
• Connected vehicle technology projects
• Funding alternatives to the fuels tax
• Solar installations on the right of way
  
• Alternative fuel infrastructure
• Roads
• Bridges
  

We invite private sector companies to work with us in the earlier stages of projects, rather than go through a traditional design-bid-build protocol. That's because the Office of Innovative Funding selects projects based on overall value instead of lowest bid. In certain circumstances, we can even conduct direct negotiations with private firms.

We use the Innovative Partnerships Program to investigate and pursue a variety of projects, from privately financed toll roads and electric vehicle fast charge stations to fiber optic infrastructure and high-speed passenger trains. This way, we can respond nimbly to transportation improvement opportunities as they arise.

To propose a project or learn more about partnering with ODOT on innovative technologies, email us at OfficeInnovation@odot.oregon.gov.