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The Oregon Department of Transportation recently announced that 38 multi-modal transportation projects top the list of recommended recipients for $40 million in funding provided through the state’s ConnectOregon IV program.

Sixty-four applications requesting a total of $77.9 million were evaluated by modal and regional committees, then analyzed by a final review committee.

The 38 recommended projects, which range from rail infrastructure improvements to transit centers, now will be considered by the Oregon Transportation Commission for final approval. The commission will hold a public hearing on the recommendations July 18, then make a final decision at an Aug. 15 meeting.

The rail-related projects and their recommended funding amounts include:
• rail infrastructure improvements on a former Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad line, $4.56 million;
• the replacement of a Union Pacific Railroad bridge, $4 million;
• a multi-modal marine freight transfer facility at the Port of Umatilla, $1.63 million;
• Port of Morrow track development work, $850,000;
• the first phase of rail relay work for Lake Railway L.L.C., $768,000;
• BNSF Railway Co. track improvements in the city of Madras, $619,020;
• a Rainier siding extension for the Portland & Western Railroad Inc., $427,332;
• bridge fortification work for Mount Hood Railroad, $247,314; and
• a wye track project for the Oregon Eastern Railroad, $53,564.

The rail projects that did not make the list of 38 recommended projects include: safety and security improvements at the E. 181st MAX station for the Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon; Portland intermodal facility improvements for BNSF; three miles of rail improvements in Marion County for the Portland & Western Railroad; the Multnomah rail extension for Port of St. Helens; bridge repairs for the Willamette Valley Railway Co.; and the Eugene rail offload project for Fuel Logistics L.L.C.
 
Created in 2005, the ConnectOregon program provides funding for highway, port, aviation, public transit and rail projects.