ODOT release - SALEM – Rail, marine and air transportation projects are up for final funding consideration in the next round of the Connect Oregon multimodal transportation program. Some 35 applications requesting nearly $100 million have come in, with approximately $46 million available to award. The list of potential projects to be funded, along with their initial rankings prior to deliberations by the Final Review Committee, are available on the program website. How can I learn about the applications? Watch the Final Review Committee meeting at 9 a.m., Wednesday, August 7. The public is invited to watch as this diverse group of transportation experts from around the state review, discuss and recommend projects for funding. This group’s prioritized list of recommendations will go to the Oregon Transportation Commission for a final decision. No public comments will be accepted at this meeting. See the website for details on watching the meeting in-person or virtually. How can I provide feedback on applications? Join the online public hearing at 1 p.m., Thursday, August 15. You must register to join this hearing by entering your contact information in this online form. The meeting will use Microsoft Teams, and instructions for using this tool will be provided to all who register. We will accept input from attendees in the order in which they sign up for the hearing. Please sign up early! Submit comments via the public comment form. Input must be received by close of business, Friday, August 16. Feedback welcomed through August 16. NOTE: Anyone interested is invited to participate. Accommodations, such as material in alternate formats, are available. Please call 503-986-4188 or statewide relay at 711 to make your request. Background - The Connect Oregon 9 - 2024 process represents the most recent competitive cycle of the program; the last competitive cycle was in 2022. The program funds non-highway transportation projects in the rail, marine and aviation modes to support the economy, reduce congestion by moving freight off the highways and improve the strength and efficiency of the state’s transportation system.