Title
Discussion of Oregon City’s Utilization of Clackamas County's Proposed $0.06/gallon Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax
Body
RECOMMENDED ACTION (Motion):
This item is to help guide staff via City Commission discussion, to form ongoing strategies for Transportation Project funding and prioritization.
BACKGROUND:
Clackamas County has placed a $0.06/gallon motor vehicle fuel tax that will sunset after 7 years on the November, 2016 ballot. The County has proposed to split the revenues from the fuel tax with the Cities of Clackamas County, with 60% being dedicated to the County and 40% dedicated to the Cities. The 40% of the fuel tax revenues generated would be distributed to the Cities based on population. The preliminary revenue estimate provided by Clackamas County is estimated to generate a total countywide annual revenue of $9 million with Oregon City’s distribution being $593,899 annually.
Staff have considered the spending strategy for the new fuel tax revenue and recognize that public demand for transportation improvements vary amongst the transportation options (driving, transit, biking, and walking) and across the Oregon City community. Project options range in size from one all-encompassing large project in one location to multiple projects spread throughout the City. The County has selected the strategy of a set list of projects (7 projects) using firm project estimates.
Given the timing of the November election and the limited amount of packaged projects and established/vetted project estimates, staff recommend a more broad and responsible strategy for Oregon City. The revenue disbursements are projected to begin in early 2018 with 6 month disbursements occurring thereafter. Oregon City would have ample opportunity to work with the Community to further refine a spending plan.
In the mean time staff recommend a proposed transportation capital improvement spending strategy that focuses first on project categories and project examples. Assuming the November election results in new fuel tax revenues, staff would:
1. further define sending objectives,
2. complete and/or refine project estimates,
3. coordinate projects with other planned improvements (PMUF Five Year Plan, utility system(s) Master Plannning, utility replacement needs, focused developer initiated development); and
4. rally community support for planned projects.
Following are the categories staff suggest that Oregon City utilize while planning for the proposed transportation capital improvement spending associated with any new fuel tax revenues:
Improve Community Health and Safety: projects that address transportation safety concerns.
Project examples:
• Washington Street and 12th Street signalization,
• Gardner Middle School bike and sidewalk enhancements for a safer route to school
• Signalized pedestrian crossings
Expand Money Match on Local and Regional Grant Opportunities: by having additional funds to utilize as match on grant applications, we hope to create more competitive projects.
Project Examples:
• Main Street (10th Street to 15th Street),
• McLoughlin Blvd Phase 3 (10th Street to Tunnell),
• Molalla Avenue Phase 4 (Beavercreek Road to Hwy 213),
• Holcomb Blvd Phase 2 (Longview Way to Winston Drive)
Improve the Connectiveity and Connected Multi-modal Transportation System through Complete Streets: by creating a transportation system which provides travel options such as sidewalks and bike lanes, as well as access to transit, we create an environment that promotes active transportation.
Project Examples:
• Main Street Extension (Grand Cove Development to 15th Street),
• Partlow Road (South End Road to Central Point Road)
• Meyers Road (Clairmont Street to Frontier Parkway)
• Linn Avenue bike and pedestrian enhancements
Emphasize the Effective and Efficient Management of the Transportation System: by optimizing travel capacity and making our existing transportation faciltiies as smart and efficent as possible, we create a more reliable daily traffic capacity.
Project Examples:
§ Signal interconnect, advance warning systems,
§ Adaptive signal timing
§ Optimize existing traffic signals by evaluating signal timing
Allow more Opportunities to Leverage City Transportation Funding with Develoment Initiatives: by working together with developers, the City can provide a more complete and efficent transportiation system.
Project Examples:
§ Meyers Road Street Extention (High School Lane to Hwy 213)
§ Maple Lane intersection and roadway improvements
§ South End Road intersection and roadway improvements
§ Loder Road intersection and roadway improvements