To help make the most of limited transportation dollars, Metro is convening two groups to advise on how to spend $24 million in Regional Flexible Funds.
The federal money gets a lot of attention locally, largely because it doesn't have the constraints of most federal programs, which require bridge money to be spent on bridges and public transit funds to be spent on those projects. The program drew concern last summer, when regional officials were deciding how much to spend on freight versus active transportation priorities.
A Regional Flexible Funds Task Force comprising 20 experts from across the region will help set priorities and funding strategies for the flexible funds program. Task force members include experts in public health, freight logistics and pedestrian safety, among other areas of regional interest.
The task force meets for the first time today at Metro and again on Nov. 17. Future meeting dates in December have not yet been set. The meetings are open to the public, but no public testimony is planned.
An Environmental Justice Working Group will advise the task force and the Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation about how best to serve the needs of minorities, the disabled and other underserved communities.
Metro is inviting working group participation by affordable housing providers and community nonprofit leaders from across the region. A less formal group than the task force, the working group will meet twice. Its first meeting, also open to the public, will be held Nov. 10, 8-10 a.m. in council chambers, 600 NE Grand Ave.
The task force is expected to develop priorities for flexible funds spending by the end of the year. Metro staff will work with cities and counties to collaboratively draw up a list of projects recommended for funding. A public comment period will follow next summer before a final vote at JPACT and the Metro Council.