The Barometer Online

Issue date: 3/4/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Lauren Dillard

Corvallis has recently received $2.2 million for roadway improvement and transit projects.

These funds are only a small portion of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which has appropriated approximately $27 billion in highway reconstruction nationwide.

In an effort to improve the economy and create jobs, President Obama signed into law the ARRA. The Corvallis Metropolitan Planning Organization has developed a list of projects to consume the given funds.

A MPO is an organization of local governments that works with the state to develop transportation plans.

"We have developed a long list [of projects]," said the director of CAMPO, Ali Bonakdar. "We won't be able to improve the entire list though." Bonakdar said only portions of each project will be fixed.

Proposed transit projects will include the replacement of six buses, establishment of new maintenance and operations faculty, replacement of current vehicle information system and radio system, purchasing and installing of bicycle lockers and the construction of shelters, benches, sidewalks and ramps.

The proposed roadway construction projects will include sections of Circle Boulevard, NW 9th Street, NW Monroe Avenue, SW Jefferson Avenue, Highland Road, Western Boulevard, 35th Street and 5th Street.

Bonakdar said the road construction projects were developed through the Pavement Condition Index and the volume of traffic and road contains, meaning the roads with the worst conditions of pavement and the most traffic will receive improvements.

A public open house was held at the Corvallis-Benton Library on Feb. 25 to discuss project ideas and give additional information.

"People had the chance to comment about the projects," Bonakdar said. "People can also comment about the projects at our website [corvallisareampo.org]."

In order for the projects to take effect, the MPO policy board must approve the list of projects. The Oregon Department of Transportation must also approve the projects and send them to the U.S. Department of Transportation for funding.

"Locally we have one year to use the funds," said Corvallis Mayor Charlie Tomlinson.

Due to the limited time allotted for the use of the stimulus funds, Corvallis could only use the money toward improving existing projects, rather than creating new ones.

"We spent all this money on maintenance and preservation of existing systems," Bonakdar said. "In this area we are very conscious of transportation and we try to promote alternative modes of transportation.

"We hope we can finish these projects as long as the construction season lasts in this area," Bonakdar said.

Samantha Blann, staff writer

news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231

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